HOW CAN A VICTIM ADVOCATE HELP ME?

• Provide emotional and moral support

• Identify and inform victims of their rights under the law

• Conduct on the scene crisis intervention

• Act as a liaison between victim, police officers, investigators, and community-based agencies

• Arrange for professional counseling and support groups

• Provide information and referral

• Educate law enforcement and victims of new law pertaining to specific victimization such as domestic violence

• Provide applications and information to victims concerning South Carolina Crime Victims' Compensation; 
explain purpose, procedures, and policies, and assist in completion of forms

• Intervene on behalf of victims with creditors, employers, etc...upon request

• Help prepare victims for court and provide court advocacy and accompaniment

• Provide information regarding current status of case

• Provide information on rights, services and procedures if a victim or witness is harassed or threatened
 

As law enforcement victim advocates, we strive to assist you, the victim, through the criminal justice system with the least amount of trauma in the hopes

you will have the best opportunity to recover and survive.

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VICTIMS' RIGHTS INFORMATION

As a victim you have the right to:

• be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, and to be free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse throughout the criminal and juvenile justice process, and informed of the constitutional rights provided by statute;

• be reasonably informed when the accused or convicted person is arrested, released from custody, or has escaped;

• be informed of and present at all criminal proceedings which are dispositive of the charges where the defendant has the right to be present;

• be reasonably informed of and be allowed to submit either a written or oral statement at all hearings affecting bond or jail;

• be heard at any proceeding involving a post arrest decision, a plea, or sentencing;

• be reasonably protected from the accused or persons acting on his behalf throughout the criminal justice process;

• confer with the prosecution, after the crime has been charged, before the trial or before any disposition and informed of the disposition;

• have reasonable access after the conclusion of the criminal investigation to all documents relating to the crime before trial;

• receive prompt and full restitution from the person or persons convicted of the criminal conduct that caused the loss or injury including both adults and juvenile offenders;

• be informed of any proceedings when any post-conviction action is being considered, and be present at any post-conviction hearing involving a post-conviction release decision;

• a reasonable disposition and prompt and final conclusion of the case

Important Phone Numbers

Police Emergency   911

Campobello Police  468-4545

Magistrate's Court  596-2564

Detention Center  596-2607

Safe Homes  583-9803