An Overview of Victim Services in South Carolina
March 2007

Follow-Up (PDF)     Report (PDF)     Summary (PDF)

Proviso 72.107 of the FY 06-07 appropriations act requires the Legislative Audit Council to “…research all victims assistance programs in the state and determine the best method for delivery of services and allocation of resources for these programs.” We identified agencies that were involved in providing victim services and determined how those services are funded. We also examined the administrative structure for the provision of victim services and how it compared to the structure in other states.

Victims in South Carolina are provided rights and services through the Victims’ Bill of Rights in the South Carolina Constitution as well as through statutes of the South Carolina Code of Laws. Victim services include notification of actions such as court proceedings or offender transfers. Other services include compensation for injuries and advocacy for victims’ rights. These services are funded in a variety of ways, including state appropriations, assessments and surcharges on criminal convictions, federal grants, and garnishment of prisoner wages. We identified approximately $45 million spent on victim services in FY 05-06.