Cleaning up after a death or violent incident is often too traumatic and dangerous for family members or regular cleaning services. A specialized group of individuals, frequently women, undertake this task.
Ella Al-Shamahi speaks with two female crime scene and trauma cleaners from South Africa and Northern Ireland. These cleaners are often the final point of contact for families after emergency services and forensic teams have concluded their work.
Alana Gillen, based in Northern Ireland, initially cleaned mansions for wealthy individuals before transferring her skills to biohazard, crime scene, and trauma cleaning. She now runs the only female-led and owned company of its kind in Northern Ireland.
Charleen Archibald, in South Africa, was trained by two women known as 'the blood sisters.' She has spent the past ten years cleaning crime and trauma scenes with her wife, Sheridan. Archibald describes the work as humbling, emphasizing the invitation into homes on what is often the worst day of their lives.
Listeners are advised that the program contains sensitive content, including descriptions of the aftermath of violent crime, which some may find upsetting. The program is produced by Hannah Dean.