On Thursday evening, Gjerdrum Church opened its doors.
In the church, the local community has come together after a young woman was killed and her daughter critically injured.
– People are expressing shock, despair, and compassion for those affected. This is just painful, says the priest.
He explains that Gjerdrum is a small community where many know each other.
And this is not the first time the village has been hit by tragedy.
Many have lit candles in the local church.
Photo: Hallgeir Braastad / NRK
– We experienced four years ago that for many it is valuable to come together and talk to a neighbor or a fellow human being.
The mayor refers to the tragic fast-clay landslide in the municipality nearly four years ago.
Today, the cultural center opened its doors to comfort the village after a new tragic incident.
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The murdered woman was employed by Gjerdrum municipality.
– The employees are, of course, very affected and in shock and disbelief over this. Its a completely tragic event that has occured.
The municipal director,Daniel Berg-Hansen,shares that he arranged a team meeting for the employees today.
Municipal director in Gjerdrum Daniel Berg-Hansen.
– In the meeting, we talked about the tragic event that has happened, the facts we have around it, and the importance of taking care of each other.
– The most affected colleagues are being looked after together at their workplace and have someone to talk to.
– Otherwise, people need to take care of each other, says a clearly affected municipal director.
– Stands closer together
The residents of the municipality are familiar with the tragedy.
– No, I actually don’t have words for it. It’s just completely tragic. That something like this can happen in Gjerdrum, the village with the big heart, says Nyholt.
Heidi Nyholt struggles to find words that describe what the village is now feeling.
– Well, it’s as the saying goes. The more negative things that happen, the stronger you become, and stand closer together. we have become the village with the big heart, says Nyholt.
The candles are lit outside gjerdrum Church.
The church is assisting the municipality in collaboration with crisis teams.
– We are present today and offering the village a place to meet.
This is what parish priest Jakob Furuseth says.
The church will be open from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for candle lighting and silence.
Parish priest in Gjerdrum Jakob Furuseth states that Gjerdrum has experience in crisis situations. This can be a strength for the municipality as they now provide support after the murder on Thursday.
– It is indeed both for those who just want to meet, but if individuals want to talk about something specific, there is an possibility for that.
Furuseth believes it is vital for the residents to stand together in this heavy time.
– It is indeed a strength when things are tough. That you can come together and be together.
Parish priest in Gjerdrum Jakob Furuseth.
Photo: Roy Pettersen / NRK
Woman killed and young child critically injured
At the scene, they found a woman in her 30s dead and a preschool-aged child critically injured.
The police have charged a man in his 40s with murder and attempted murder.
The accused is the deceased’s husband and the child’s father.
– My client had an intention to kill his wife, their child, and himself. Then he regretted it along the way, states defense attorney Hilde Mo to the newspaper.
She adds that the man is struggling and regrets what he has done.
The man has consented to four weeks of pre-trial detention, and the detention meeting will take place on Friday.
He was the one who alerted the police about the incident.
Interview between Time.news Editor and a Community Trauma expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today. The recent tragedy in Gjerdrum, where a young woman was killed and her daughter critically injured, has understandably left the community in shock. From your perspective as a community trauma expert, what are the immediate emotional impacts that a small community like Gjerdrum can experience in such situations?
Expert (E): Thank you for having me. The immediate emotional impact can be profound in a close-knit community like Gjerdrum. People ofen experience feelings of shock,disbelief,and despair,as noted by the local priest.In small communities, where many residents know each other personally, the loss can feel like the loss of a family member, amplifying feelings of grief and confusion.
TNE: We’ve seen that the local church opened its doors to provide a space for the community to come together. How vital is this communal gathering in the healing process?
E: It’s incredibly important. Communal gatherings serve as a space for people to share their grief and find comfort in one another. The act of lighting candles together, as many residents did, creates a shared experience of mourning. It fosters connection, solidarity, and support, wich are crucial for healing. As community members express their feelings, it can help normalize the process of grief.
TNE: The mayor referenced a tragic landslide four years ago that also affected the community deeply.How can past trauma influence the way a community responds to new tragedies?
E: Past trauma can play a significant role in shaping a community’s response to new tragedies. Residents may find themselves re-experiencing old wounds and emotions from previous incidents, which can complicate their feelings of grief. Though, communities that have previously faced challenges may also have established resilience and support networks, making them better equipped to respond. They understand the value of coming together, which can be a crucial aspect of the healing process.
TNE: The municipal director mentioned holding a team meeting to address the tragedy with employees—what role does workplace support play in coping with such events?
E: Workplace support is vital, especially in this context, where colleagues are facing shared grief. Discussing the incident openly creates an prospect for individuals to express their feelings and receive support directly from their peers.It reinforces the message that it’s okay to feel upset and that mutual care is essential. Acknowledging the emotional impact can also help in preventing feelings of isolation, which are common in such scenarios.
TNE: What are some strategies individuals can use to cope with their emotions following such tragic events?
E: Individuals can benefit from several coping strategies. First, it’s important to talk about emotions with friends, family, or mental health professionals—expressing oneself can be incredibly cathartic. Secondly, engaging in rituals, such as attending memorials or creating remembrance activities, can provide a sense of closure. practicing self-care thru regular activities like exercise,mindfulness,or hobbies can also assist in managing grief.
TNE: As a community trauma expert, what advice would you give to gjerdrum as they navigate this painful experience?
E: I would encourage the community to lean on one another and utilize available resources for emotional support.It’s important to remain vigilant about the mental health needs of residents,especially those who may have been more directly affected by the tragedy. Additionally, the community should consider establishing ongoing support groups or counseling services to help process grief over the long term. Recovery is not just a one-time event—it requires sustained effort and compassion for one another.
TNE: Thank you for your insights today. It’s clear that community support and connection are vital in the wake of such tragedies.
E: Absolutely. Thank you for shining a light on this critically important topic.