🌾 South Carolina Victim Rights & Resources
If you are a survivor of abuse, crime, or professional misconduct in South Carolina, this guide connects you with your rights under state law, steps for reporting, and trauma-informed support — including VOCA-funded programs and financial relief.
⛔️ This guide is not a substitute for legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or reach out to a crisis hotline listed on our Support and Help page. While we strive to provide accurate, current information, laws and agency procedures may change. Always verify details directly with official sources or consult a licensed attorney in your area.
📜 Your Rights Under South Carolina Law
Under the South Carolina Constitution and Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights, you are entitled to:
- Be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect
- Be informed of legal proceedings and outcomes
- Be present and heard at key criminal justice events
- Request restitution and confer with prosecutors
- Receive reasonable protection from the accused
🔗 SC Crime Victim Rights – SC Victim Assistance Network 🔗 SC Constitution – Article I, Section 24
📂 Public Records & Documentation
You may request:
- Police reports and investigative summaries
- Court filings and sentencing documents
- Body/dash cam and 911 audio (if applicable)
💡 Use South Carolina’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Submit your request in writing and keep all correspondence.
🏥 Requesting Medical Records
You can request:
- Your own medical records
- Records for a child or deceased loved one (if legally authorized)
🔗 How to File a HIPAA Complaint – HHS.gov
🧑⚕️ Reporting Licensed Healthcare Providers
SC Board of Medical Examiners / Nursing / Counseling:
https://llr.sc.gov
SC Department of Health and Environmental Control – Facility Complaints:
https://scdhec.gov
⚠️ Retain complaint confirmations and copies of all documents for your records.
💰 Victim Compensation in South Carolina
The South Carolina Crime Victim Compensation Program assists survivors with costs related to violent crime.
Covered expenses include:
- Medical and mental health care
- Lost wages and support
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Relocation and safety-related costs
Eligibility Requirements:
- Report the crime within 48 hours (or with good cause)
- Apply within 4 years of the crime
- Cooperate with law enforcement
🔗 SC Victim Compensation Program 📞 Phone: 1-800-220-5370
🤝 VOCA-Funded Services in South Carolina
VOCA support is coordinated through the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.
🔗 SC VOCA Assistance 📞 General Info: (803) 734-2260
No matter your story, you have rights. The Novel Advocate is here to make sure you’re seen, supported, and empowered every step of the way.
🌾 From cotton fields to capital halls, South Carolina survivors — your voice plants the truth they tried to bury.
