Personal and Legal Advocacy

To assist the survivor to gain knowledge of the criminal justice system, STSM provides the survivor with emotional support and accompaniment throughout the criminal justice proceedings, including (but not limited to) assisting the survivor in filing a police report, court accompaniment, and contacting law enforcement on behalf of survivor. Some survivors decide to take the perpetrator to court, while others decide against this option. STSM supports survivors in whatever decisions that they may take regarding their own healing process.

Constitutional Rights

"To preserve and protect victims' rights to justice and due process regardless of race, sex, age, religion, 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;
a reasonable, prompt and final conclusion of the case."

Medical Advocacy

Advocates respond to the hospital when any sexual assault is reported. The advocate’s role is to advocate for the survivor as he/she interacts with hospital staff, law enforcement officers and family/friends. Advocates also support survivors during the visit and to explain the protocol procedures, including the pregnancy and STI prophylaxis offered.

Anonymous Reporting

The SC Legislature passed HB 3677 in 2009 to eliminate the requirement for law enforcement authorization prior to collection of a Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit. Anonymous Reporting is an option where a victim of sexual assault can choose not to make an official incident report to law enforcement, yet still have forensic evidence collected. The evidence will be stored for one year, providing victims time to decide if they would like to pursue an investigation. If they choose to pursue they may contact law enforcement or law enforcement may contact them, according to their wishes. If the victim does not wish to pursue, the evidence will be destroyed.

SOVA Form

Attachment	Size
SOVA Application	1.48 MB