A Survivor's Bill Of Rights
1. I have the right to be free of guilt.
2. I have the right not to feel responsible for the suicide death.
3. I have the right to express my feelings and emotions, even if they do not seem acceptable, as long as they do not interfere with the rights of others.
4. I have the right to have my questions answered honestly by authorities and family members.
5. I have the right not to be deceived because others feel they can spare me further grief.
6. I have the right to maintain a sense of hopefulness.
7. I have the right to peace and dignity.
8. I have the right to positive feelings about one I lost through suicide, regardless of events prior to or at the time of the untimely death.
9. I have the right to retain my individuality and not be judged because of the suicide death.
10. I have the right to seek counseling and support groups to enable me to explore my feelings honestly to further the acceptance process.
11. I have the right to reach acceptance.
12. I have the right to a new beginning. I have the right to be.

This particular Bill of Rights has been excerpted from E. Betsy Ross's book

Life After Suicide: A Ray of Hope for those Left Behind