Knowledge is a powerful thing and the State Office of Victim Assistance (SOVA) wants to educate South Carolina’s students and educators about ways SOVA can help. We believe that South Carolina schools see victims every day, whether the victims are the parents or the students themselves. SOVA wants each of them to know that there is help available, and that begins with you.
There are many ways that SOVA offers information to victims and those who work with them. Our websiteis a valuable resource for answers tothe most frequently asked questions, training & event listings, as wellas printable applications, brochures, posters and other promotionalitems.
It is the goal of SOVA to embrace a victim-centered criminal justice system by providing compensation to victims of crime who are eligible and direct services for victims of crime. We work closely with victim service agencies and providers across the State of South Carolina, meeting the educational, training and professional needs of Victim Advocates through our statewide Victim/Witness Assistance programs.
It is likely, that you have children at your school who are victims or live in a household where a crime has occurred.
- Some signs of physical abuse include unexplained burns, bruises, black eyes or other injuries; apparent fear of the parent or caretaker; and faded bruises or healing injuries after missing school.
- Some signs of sexual abuse include: difficulty walking or sitting, or other indications of injury in the genital area; sexual knowledge or behavior beyond what is normal for the child’s age; and running away from home.
- Some signs of emotional abuse include: acting overly mature or immature for the child’s age; extreme changes in behavior; delays in physical or emotional development; attempted suicide; and a lack of emotional attachment to the parent.
Statistical Resources & Information:
SC Department of Social Services
SC Law Enforcement Division
We are here for you. Our SOVA Training Team travels the state to train and inform those who work in public service about the many ways that SOVA can help victims of crime. If you would like to hold a training event for the teachers, parents, policy makers, and/or Education Department Staff or would like more information, please contact Ethel Douglas Ford, CVAS, Senior Manager for Community Victim Services, at 803-734-1704.
