The mission of the Department of Crime Victim Compensation (DCVC) is to minimize the impact of crime in South Carolina by providing financial compensation to eligible crime victims and their families.
SC Crime Victims' 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; and
- a reasonable, prompt and final conclusion of the case
The penalty for violating the Victims' Bill of Rights is:
- Writ of mandamus, issued by the Supreme Court or circuit court to require compliance
- A willful failure to comply with a writ of mandamus is punishable as contempt
Excerpted from the Constitution of South Carolina, Article I, Section 24 (This is a condensed reference and is not intended to substitute for the law.)
Eligibility Criteria
South Carolina has a Crime Victim Compensation Fund to help citizens with costs related to injuries received as a result of the crime. The eligibility requirements to receive services from DCVC are:
- The crime must occur in South Carolina
- The victim must sustain a direct injury - (Physical or Psychological)
- South Carolina law requires DCVC to consider contributory or illegal behavior when making eligibility determinations
- The victim/claimant must cooperate with DCVC and Law Enforcement
- The crime must be reported within 48 hours (May be waived for good cause)
- The claim must be filed within 180 days (May be waived for good cause)
- The claim must be filed within 4 years of the incident. Upon good cause, the time for filing may be extended four years after a diagnosis of injury
How to Apply
To apply for DCVC services, please contact your local victim advocate for assistance or download the application and follow the instructions. Please complete the application in its entirety, print and mail the application to DCVC:
Department of Crime Victim Compensation
Edgar A. Brown Building, Room 401听
1205 Pendleton Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
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Contact Us
E-mail:听[email protected]
Phone: 803.734.1900
Toll Free: 1.800.220.5370 (Crime Victims Only, Please)
Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm; Monday - Friday
Mailing Address:
Edgar A. Brown Building, Room 401
1205 Pendleton Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Physical Address:
Statehouse Complex
Edgar A. Brown Building, Room 401
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Common Questions
Who can qualify for financial assistance?
Injured crime victims, immediate family members of crime victims, or someone who is paying bills or taking care of a crime victim may apply. There are some exceptions, so contact DCVC for information.
E-mail:听[email protected]
Phone: 803.734.1900
Toll Free: 1.800.220.5370 (Crime Victims Only, Please)
Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm; Monday - Friday
听
Can my dependents, parents, siblings or spouse file a claim for services without me?
No, DCVC must have an application on the direct crime victim before we can consider providing services to family members and or indirect victims. There are specific crimes DCVC will consider for family members. Please contact DCVC for specific information regarding crimes DCVC will consider for family members.
E-mail:听[email protected]
Phone: 803.734.1900
Toll Free: 1.800.220.5370 (Crime Victims Only, Please)
Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm; Monday - Friday
How can I get help with the application?
Law enforcement agencies, solicitors' offices and victim assistance organizations in your area have victim advocates to help you with this application. If unable to reach an agency or don't know who to call, the Department of Crime Victim Compensation (DCVC) is available to assist you. Please call DCVC at 1.800.220.5370 (Victims Only) or 803.734.1900 between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.
How do I appeal?
If your application is denied, you will receive an appeal packet with the denial. You must complete this appeal packet and return it to DCVC within 30 days of the date on the denial letter. If you do not return it within 30 days, your request for an appeal will not be considered.
The Appeal Process
- The crime victim must fill out the appeal application when they receive notice that their application for benefits has been denied;
- The crime victim must explain why they disagree with the decision and submit additional documentation they feel may assist in their appeal;
- The crime victim must return the appeal application to DCVC within 30 days of the date on the denial letter;
- The victim/claimant will be given the opportunity to appear before the DCVC Advisory Board to present an appeal. The DCVC Advisory Board meets twice each year;
- The victim/claimant may choose to be represented by an attorney during this process;
- Also, a victim/claimant may bring along a family member or victim advocate for support;
- Pursuant to S.C. law 16-3-1140, the Appeal Panel's decision is final.
