So. Carolina Victims Rights

Chapter 5 Core Rights of Crime Victims in South Carolina

Abstract
Core crime victims’ rights are those rights that are fundamental to ensuring the meaningful participation of crime victims in the criminal justice system. Core rights for South Carolina state crime victims are primarily found in the South Carolina Constitution and the enabling legislation found in the South Carolina Code of Laws. Having the important duty and responsibility to protect and advocate for the crime victim, it is imperative that the victim advocate have a thorough understanding and solid working knowledge of the state law of victims’ rights to ensure that the crime victim receives all the rights (s)he is entitled to pursuant to the law of South Carolina and to advocate for the victim when these rights are abridged or violated.

Furthermore, it is vitally important for the victim advocate to understand that the rights guaranteed to crime victims under the South Carolina Constitution and its enabling statutes are mandatory.

These rights are not optional or discretionary.

All South Carolina crime victims are entitled to these rights and protections by law! 

 CONTACT SOUTH CAROLINA CRIME VICTIMS' OMBUDSMAN:

If you are a victim of crime and have a question or a complaint regarding the criminal justice system, please contact:

Mailing Address:
South Carolina Crime Victims' Ombudsman (CVO)
1205 Pendleton Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Physical address:
Wade Hampton Building, 1st Floor

Complaints must be in written form and signed, specifying a particular complaint or concern. General questions regarding the CVO program or requests for additional information may be addressed by:

Calling (8:30am - 5:00pm):
1(803)734-0357
or
Toll Free 1(888)238-0697 (Crime Victims Only, Please)
Fax: 1(803)734-1428
or
E-mail: cvo@oepp.sc.gov.