The Victim-Witness Program was established in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in 1978.
Since that time it has grown to a staff of eight. A victim advocate is assigned to each assistant
solicitor and works closely with him/her to ensure victims are afforded all rights to which they
are entitled.
The program is set up in accordance with Guidelines written by the Victim Assistance Policy Committee. This
committee established the operating standards for Solicitor-based Victim-Witness Assistance Programs to
implement the Victims Bill of Rights which was passed by the Legislature in 1978. The Victim Rights
Constitutional Amendment and Implementing Legislation was passed by the South Carolina General Assembly in
1997 and 1998. We are required by law to attempt to notify victims, should they wish to be, of all
proceedings in a case.
Rights of Victims and Witnesses
- The Right to Reparation
- The Right to Treatment with Dignity and Compassion
- The Right to Preservation of Property and Employment
- The Right to Protection from Intimidation and Harm
- The Right to Due Process in Criminal Court Proceedings
- The Right to Knowledge of the Criminal Justice Process
- The Right to Special Recognition for the Very Young, Elderly, Handicapped and Others with
Special needs
What is the Role of a Victim Advocate?
When a crime occurs, the "people of the State" represented by the Solicitor or one of his assistants,
prosecute the case. The Victim-Witness Advocate aids crime victims by offering many services
that are confidential and free of charge.
Advocates inform victims of their rights. They act as liaisons between the victims and other agencies. They
attend court hearings with victims or attend on their behalf. They inform victims of hearing dates, case
updates, and defendants sentences. They set up pretrial conferences upon a Solicitors request and attend
them. They attend hearings when requested to attend by the victim or their family.
During the time it takes to prepare a case for court, the Victim Advocate keeps victims informed about
the case and provides help that includes:
- Crime to court information
- Reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages
- Victim impact statement
- Preparation for court appearance
- Employer contact
- Emergency referrals
- Counseling and follow-up
- Property return assistance
- Restitution
Contact Us If:
- You want to be kept informed of the progress of your case
- You have questions about bond hearings
- You need help with medical, funeral or counseling expenses
- You have fears about your involvement in the case
- You have been threatened or harassed
- You need the help of a social service agency or employer
Frequently Asked Questions
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Greenville County
864-467-8647
Pickens County
864-898-5905
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Special Programs |
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Kids To Court
School groups of 25 or less may come and observe the court process. Students are briefed
on court procedures. The students will observe actual court cases - either a trial or guilty
pleas. Seating is limited so advance notice is required.
Housewise Streetwise Program
This is a safety education program designed to teach abuse prevention and emergency procedures
to third graders. The program was developed by the Duncan Chapel Elementary School, the
Victim-Witness Assistance Program of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitors Office and
the Greenville County Legal Auxiliary because more and more children today are spending time
alone, assuming more responsibilities for their safety and the safety of others. Housewise
Streetwise is an eight hour program taught for five days by parents, teachers, and community
helpers. The curriculum teaches children how to make emergency phone calls, how to react to
dangerous and potentially dangerous situations; identifies community helpers, and encourages
discussions about real problems through the use of films, art work, activity sheets, guest
speakers, crime prevention rules and role-play.
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