Victim Assistance
The Victim Advocates provide assistance to direct and indirect victims of violent crimes, domestic violence crimes, sex-related offenses and crimes involving elder and juvenile abuse in Sumter County. They also provide counseling services, court accompaniment and forensic interviews for victims. Our Victim Advocates have an abundance of resources and outreach programs available to assist victims during and after an investigation is completed.
If you need to speak to a Victim Advocate, please call (803) 436-2129 or (803) 436-2044 .
South Carolina Victim's Rights
To preserve and protect victims' rights to justice and due process regardless of race, sex, age, religion and economic status, victims of crime have the right to:
- Be treated with fairness, respect and dignity;
- Be free from intimidation or harm throughout the criminal and juvenile justice process;
- Be informed about victims' rights;
- Be reasonably informed about criminal proceedings;
- Be informed if the accused is arrested, released or escapes;
- Confer with the prosecution before the case is heard in court;
- Be present at criminal proceedings where the accused has the right to be present;
- Be heard at proceedings affecting bond, bail, release, pleas or sentencing;
- Have reasonable access to documents relating to the crime before trial;
- Receive restitution from the adult or juvenile offenders; and
- A reasonable, prompt and final conclusion of the case.
OUTREACH RESOURCES
YWCA – Domestic Violence Hotline
(803) 775-2763
Sumter County Family Court
(803) 436-2366
South Carolina Legal Services
1-888-346-5592
Sexual Trauma Services of Midlands
1-800-491-7273
Third Circuit Solicitor’s Office – Sumter Office
(803) 436-2185