SC Victim Assistance Network

To be the voice for all victims of crime and those who serve them.

The S.C. Victim Assistance Network (SCVAN), a 501(c)(3) organization, was created in 1985 in response to a mandate in the S.C. Crime Victims Bill of Right for a network of service providers to be formed to better protect and serve victims of crime. For over thirty years, SCVAN has been the "go to" agency as the voice of victims of crime and a resource for the providers who serve them.

SCVAN Fulfills Three (3) Main Objectives:
• To ensure that all crime victims receive access to and assistance from the criminal justice system.
• To improve the quality of services provided to crime victims by victim advocates, and
• To ensure the criminal justice system adequately serves crime victims.

To fulfill those objectives, SCVAN:
• advocates on behalf of victims and witnesses of crime
• maintains a communication network
• enhances public awareness
• facilitates research and evaluation
• serves as technical support
• facilitates quality training
• provides education regarding legislative initiatives pertaining to crime issues
• coordinates policy development
• manages "one of a kind" programs
• encourages citizen and victim participation in the justice process

Throughout its history, SCVAN has made an impressive impact on services available to our state's victims and criminal justice professionals, with a proven record of addressing the needs of crime victims with measurable results in all our programs.

SCVAN Provides Effective Fiscal Oversight and Management of Five Grant Programs:
• Financial Relief for Victims Program (provides direct emergency and transitional housing assistance and information to victims)
• The Crime Victim Information Services System (CVISS) (provides research, resource and referrals to crime victims and service providers state-wide)
• Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) (provides legal assistance and access to culturally competent assistance and resources for foreign-born crime victims)
• Faith-based Victim Service Program (to develop resources to assist crime victims and their families in South Carolina in partnership with faith communities)
• Statewide Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) Coordinator (provides coordination and support to existing and developing FNE programs in our state; building alliances with service providers to
promote victim-oriented medical response and treatment of sexual assault victims)

Testimonials

"SCVAN staff members are skilled at guiding victims down the right path so they feel empowered to move forward and maneuver through the criminal justice system."
- Shannon Geary, Program Director

"Very few people know that crime victims have rights. So it's my job to educate our community partners, law enforcement, victim service providers, and the public about victims' rights and enforcement."
- Lindsey Jacobs, Staff Attorney

"How are you today? Often victims, as well as the caregiver or advocates, can say "I am fine" and hide that in their tone, behind a fake smile. But when we are able to interact with people in person, we can read their body language and expression better. This conference is vital to victims, who desire healing and guidance as well as those who serve and care for them. I think that human interaction is necessary for many reasons. Especially to truly gauge how well they are doing, or not doing and when needed, give them a hug and ask, "how can I help you?"

--F.T., Victim Service Provider

"Physically attending VRW is more than attending a series of workshops, it is a holistic experience I look forward to every year. Not only do you build relationships with other advocates, but it enables you to make connections with people in related fields and gather new resources that will serve you throughout your career. I am grateful we had virtual possibilities during the pandemic, but in no way does it compare to the experience of attending VRW in person."

--F.B., Victim Service Provider