Certified Victim Assistance Specialist 

        The Victims Advocate is responsible for assisting victims of Criminal activity. This assistance covers all the bases from just being there when a victim needs to talk, to filling out appropriate paperwork, explaining the judicial process and assisting the victim recover money lost as the result of a crime.  The Victims Advocate reviews all reports taken by our department and makes contact with everyone who fits the legal definition of a victim.

 Victim means a person who suffers direct or threatened physical, psychological, or financial harm as the results of a criminal act.  Victim includes the person's spouse, parent, child or a representative of a victim who is deceased, a minor, incompetent, or physically or psychologically incapacitated.

Victim does not include someone who is under investigation, charged with a crime, or convicted of a crime.

Witness means a person who has been or is expected to be summoned to testify.

RESTITUTION

A victim must provide to the Solicitor's Office or the Court a list of property that was stolen, damaged, destroyed, or recovered; medical expenses, income lost as a result of the crime; and any financial recovery from insurance or compensation.  This may be included in a written impact statement.

The prosecuting agency, court, or both, may require documentation of all claims.  This information may be included in a written impact statement.  

If you are harassed or threatened:  Immediately contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.  A free copy of the initial incident report will be provided to the victim by law enforcement upon request.

Order of Protection:  An Order of Protection is issued to protect the victim or minor household members from the abuse of another household member when the abuser has received notice of the proceedings and has an opportunity to be heard.

South Carolina Compensation:  Victims or Witnesses of a crime who meet the requirements, are eligible for compensation from the State Office of Victim Assistance.

A victim who wishes to be present for any plea, trial, or sentencing must notify the prosecuting  agency or summary court judge of his or her desire to be present.

A victim who wishes to submit a written impact statement must provide it to the prosecuting agency or summary court judge within appropriate time limits set by the prosecuting agency or the summary court judge.

A victim who wishes to make an oral or written victim impact statement to the court at sentencing must notify the prosecuting agency or summary court judge of his or her desire in advance to the sentencing.

Resource Information

Cayce Department of Public Safety

Victim Advocate

PO Box 2004 

Cayce, SC 29171

(803) 794-0456

Sister Care Inc.

(803) 765-9428  or  (800) 637-7606

Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands

2001-D  Green Street

Columbia, SC 29205

(803) 771-7273

Lexington County Children's Center 

1615 Augusta Road 

West Columbia, SC 29169

(803) 791-1511

Local Resource Telephone Numbers

                                                     
Other Victim Advocates

Debbie Curtis

Crime Victim's Ombudsman

(803) 734-0357 or (888) 238-0697

State Office of Victim Assist

(803) 734-1900

Links of Interest

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