The South Carolina General Assembly established the Victims Bill of Rights to safeguard and preserve victims’ rights to justice and due process. The Columbia Police Department uses a victim-focused method of ensuring that crime victims are assisted through both the judicial and recovery processes.

Since its establishment, Victim Services/Advocates have provided support, information, and assistance to victims and witnesses as the criminal cases of the offender are processed through the criminal justice system. There are a variety of services available to meet the specific needs of the victim, review the list below:

  • Provide emotional and moral support to victims of crimes during the time immediately following the crime to their appearance in the courtroom as witnesses.
  • Advise the victim of a crime of their rights according to law.
  • Respond to serious incidents and provide crisis intervention support when applicable
  • Serve as the liaison between victims, police officers, investigators, and the various victim support agencies.
  • Assist the victim in obtaining professional counseling or support groups.
  • Provide training for law enforcement, judges, and the local community on the role of Victim Advocates.
  • Provide education to law enforcement, judges, and crime victims of the new laws enacted to assist victims of crime.
  • Provide and assist the victim with filing applications for various compensation funds provided through the Governor’s Office of Victim Assistance (funds may help with medical expenses, lost wages, counseling expenses, and funeral expenses).
  • Assist the prosecution with preparing the victim for court. We also provide court advocacy and accompaniment during trial.
  • Coordinate with investigators and officers to ensure that information regarding the current status of cases is provided to the victim.
  • Provide affirmative assistance to victims by transporting them to court, and emergency shelter and guiding them through the Protection Order / Restraining Order process.
  • Participate in various community programs and outreach efforts to educate others on the services offered to become an integrated part of our community.

For questions or concerns about the program, please contact:

Victim Services
Columbia Police Department
1 Justice Square, Columbia, SC 29201
Office: 803-545-3503
Main: 803-545-3500 (available 24 hours)

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