Victim Services
The Pine Ridge Police Department is proud to provide a Victim Services Program to assist you. The Victim Services Program works with individuals, whose lives have been impacted by crime and strives to help victims feel safe, supported and informed. Our goal is to empower victims by providing information, resources and practical support for crime victims and witnesses.
Contact Us
If you are a victim of crime and have questions, or would like assistance, you can reach an advocate by any of the following methods:
Phone: 803-755-2500
In Person: 2757 Fish Hatchery Rd, West Columbia, 29172
Email: kyork@prpd.sc.gov
The effect of crime can threaten an individual’s sense of safety and security and also impact their physical, financial and mental well-being. For some people, these difficulties can feel overwhelming. If you have been a victim of a crime, here are a few things you should know:
- You are not alone
- As a victim, you have rights
- There are programs and resources that may be able to help
Do I qualify for an Advocate?
To qualify, you must be:
- A victim of a crime
- A family member of a crime victim
- Witness to the crime
How we can help
Our goal is to meet the immediate health and safety needs of a victim after a crime has been committed. We respect individuals' choices and provide compassionate care. Services are catered to each individual's needs and advocacy can include:
- Emotional support
- Safety planning
- Crisis intervention
- Informing victims of their rights
- Resources and information
- Assistance applying for and/or referral to state victim compensation resources
- Criminal justice information and support
- Assistance obtaining basic needs
Impact of crime
Reactions to a crime vary based on the individual. Some individuals report feeling "okay" after experiencing a crime. However, 50% of people who have been victimized report moderate distress as a result of the crime (Department of Justice, 2012). While reactions vary, it is not uncommon for people to experience the following after a crime:
- Fear
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Guilt
- Feeling numb
- Flashbacks
- Isolation
- Poor concentration
- Stomach problems
- Weight loss/gain
- Sleep problems
- Avoiding people or certain situations
While these initial reactions are normal, we strongly encourage anyone who has been a victim of a crime to contact an advocate. By working with an advocate; victims can receive emotional support, learn more about their rights and how they can access additional support services. All of which can help reduce the long term impact of the victimization. You are not alone. The Victim Services Program can help.
Victim and Witness Rights
- 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.
For a complete list of your rights, please go to www.sova.sc.gov or call the S.C. State Attorney's Office at 1-803-734-3970.
Resources - Pine Ridge Police Department
Non-Emergency Dispatch 803-755-2521
Kadence York (Advocate) 803-755-2500