This paper identifies major issues faced by the bereaved, the community, & the helping professions after a suicide. Some significant milestones in knowledge & service provision that have been achieved so far are discussed. It considers how past research in the fields of suicide postvention & general bereavement have developed new variables & frameworks with which to find a way forward in understanding this neglected field. New standards of care & public policy are described that are anticipated in the light of these insights. (75 refs.)