Victim Witness Assistance Program Overview

The Victim/Witness Assistance Program collected $246,608.06 in restitution for victims from July 2016 – June 2020.         

With the award of VOCA Grant No. 1V15163 – ‘Victim Orientation: An Introduction to Advocacy and Prosecution’, an advocate is designated to the coordination of Victim Orientation and outreach to victims in the first thirty days of their case.  Victim Orientation provides an opportunity to meet victims early in prosecution to address their questions and concerns.  The orientation presentation, which includes educational and referral materials, is designed to educate victims about, and encourage them to participate in, the prosecution of their case.    Following the Victim Orientation, attendees meet with an advocate to discuss their individual case.  The thirty day follow-up contacts have initiated increased communications with victims which translates into increased victim involvement and the procurement of needed information and documentation.  With the dedicated position to victim orientation and follow-up, the remaining advocates now work their attorney dockets as a case load and have become proactive regarding victim participation.

VWAP monitors a category of “Vulnerable Victims” who have the following distinctions:  domestic abuse, sexual assault, under the age of eighteen, over the age of sixty-five, disabled classification, rural residency, transportation limitations, language barriers, law enforcement and the family of murder victims.  VWAP provides transportation, technical support and accessibility assistance to vulnerable victims.  Special considerations are given to “Vulnerable Victim” cases. 

VWAP assist victims and their families in acquiring services from SCVAN Emergency Funds,, Area Churches Together Serving (ACTS), The Cumbee Center, Habitat for Humanity and other community organizations.  VWAP also participates in the North Augusta Christmas Community Care Project by sponsoring Christmas gifts for several families.

VWAP provides interpretation and other translation services.  Assistance is provided in General Sessions Court, Summary Court, hospital settings, and when needed to advocacy, law enforcement and counseling agencies. 

VWAP developed and facilitates the Solicitor’s Victim Impact Program which consist of a panel of victims and interested community members who discuss the consequences of impaired behaviors and poor decision making.   The attendees report a better understanding of how we can positively or negatively impact the community.  The participating panelist report satisfaction in the possibly of making a difference in the lives of the attendees.

VWAP maintains a paperless, digital filing system and an electronic resource library with over 600 entries.  This allows permanent accessibility to victim case information.  VWAP, with the help of volunteers, maintains the office closed files.  A color code filing system and a workstation for laminating, cutting and binding was established by VWAP. Integration of victim file with attorney files ensures victim information and input is available for post-conviction events.  VWAP digitally registers victim information with SCDC and SCDPPS.     

VWAP’s Children’s Corner provides a safe, colorful and comforting environment for children who visit the Solicitor’s office.   With donations from volunteers and charitable organizations, VWAP maintains a “pantry” that provides snacks and diapers, personal care kits, gas cards, emergency cards, cell phones and journals.  The journals are especially helpful for victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse.  The cell phones provide victims with access to 911 emergency services.