The rights and feelings of crime victims and their families are among the main concerns of the Erskine College Police Department. We want to ensure that your rights are protected as vigorously as those of the criminal defendant. This outlines your rights and services available to victims through our office.
In the unfortunate event that you or a member of your family becomes a victim of a criminal act, please contact our Victim Assistance Office as soon as possible. We are there to help and support you as well as answer any questions which you may have.
Matthew Busby, Chief
mbusby@erskine.edu
864-379-8869 (Office)
Jennifer Cooley, Assistant to the Chief of Police
jcooley@erskine.edu
864-379-6514 (Office)
Erskine Police Department is located between Robinson Hall & Carnegie Hall.
Services available through the victim assistance program
• Crisis intervention
• Emotional support
• Familiarization with the criminal justice system
• Current information on the status of your case
• Preparation for court appearance
• Support while attending court
• Referral to community resources
• Preparation of victim impact statements
• Assistance in seeking restitution and reimbursement
• Assistance in filing application for crime victim compensation fund
All services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. If you need help please contact the Victim Assistance Office at 379-8869.
When you are a victim of a crime, you have rights
• The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim’s dignity and privacy and informed of a victim’s constitutional rights.
• The right to be reasonably informed when the accused or convicted person is arrested, released from custody, or has escaped.
• The right to be informed of and present at all criminal proceedings which are dispositive of the charges where the defendant has the right to be present.
• The right to be allowed to submit either a written or oral statement at all hearings affecting bond or bail.
• The right to be heard at any proceeding involving a post-arrest decision, a plea, or sentencing.
• The right to be reasonably protected from the accused or persons acting on his behalf throughout the criminal justice process.
• The right to confer with the prosecution, after the crime against the victim has been charged, before the trial, or before any disposition and informed of the disposition.
• The right to have reasonable access after the conclusion of the criminal investigation to all documents relating to the crime against the victim before trial.
• The right to receive prompt and full restitution from the convicted person or persons.
• The right to a reasonable disposition and prompt and final conclusion of the case.
The emotional impact of victimization
Withdrawal: includes depression, withdrawal from family and friends or important activities, avoidance of reminders including the places connected with the incident, and efforts to avoid thoughts concerning the loss.
Re-experiencing: includes thoughts of the event that may be difficult to control, flashbacks, nightmares, hyperalertness, memory loss, physical problems, and increased distress when exposed to events that are reminders.
Other symptoms may include: sleep difficulties, irritability and angry outbursts, trouble concentrating, and an exaggerated startle response.
Prevention
A trained victims advocate with the Erskine College Police Department will work to minimize and prevent long-term problems by providing immediate follow-up services and crisis intervention to crime victims.
Important Numbers and Information
Abbeville County Sheriff’s Office Victim Assistance Office
864-446-6061 – Monique Bell – Victim’s Advocate
Erskine College Police Department
Victim Assistance Office
864-379-6514
Governor’s Office Division of Victim Assistance 1-800-220-5370
Governor’s Crime Victims Ombudsman 1-888-238-0697
South Carolina Office of the Attorney General 1-803-734-3970
Solicitor’s Office 864-942-8800
*when court is in session* 864-366-5312 ext. 304
Solicitor’s Victim Assistance Office 1-800-800-8812
Abbeville Department of Social Services 864-366-5481
Sexual Trauma & Counseling Center 864-227-1623
Safe Home 864-682-7270