SC Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services

SC Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services

Victim Services

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Keeping Victims Informed and Making the Process Easier

The S.C. Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services created the Office of Victim Services (OVS) in 1986. We were the first probation/parole agency in the country to hire staff whose sole responsibility was to work with victims. The primary goal of the office is to keep victims informed of the status of their cases and to make certain they are as informed as possible throughout the process. By providing fast, comprehensive, responsive service, OVS can ease the frustration and anxiety that often accompanies the parole and probation process. Its services include: Initial notification of offender's court-ordered probation Monitoring of restitution payments Collection and routing of Victim Impact Statements Victim/witness advocacy Providing support for victims at parole and pardon hearings Referrals to community resources for specialized services Providing information about the offender's parole release and supervision This combination of knowledge and participation enables victims to regain a sense of control over their lives, and helps restore their quality of life more quickly and effectively. Office of Victim Services Toll-Free: 1-888-551-4118 (victims only) 803-734-9367 Fax: 803-734-9240