Forest Acres Police Department

The Forest Acres Police Department (FAPD) serves the City of Forest Acres, SC, a small community adjacent to Columbia and within Richland County. As a member of the Richland County SART team, FAPD shares information with other agencies and explores new ways to improve response. FAPD first responders, investigators and victim advocate work with the SART team to provide the best possible services to victims of sexual assault.

5205 N. Trenholm Road * Forest Acres, SC 29206
Main: (803) 782-9444 * Fax (803) 787-8833
 

 Palmetto Health Richland – Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE)

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program at Palmetto Health Richland offers sexual assault victims immediate, compassionate and comprehensive medical-legal evaluation and treatment by a specially trained nurse who has the experience to anticipate their needs during this time of crisis. A SANE is responsible for completing the entire sexual assault evidentiary examination, including crisis intervention, STD prevention, pregnancy risk evaluation, collection of forensic evidence, and referrals for additional support and care. Sexual Assault Nurses also are trained to give expert testimony to provide the victim the best possible outcome in their prosecution.

5 Medical Park * Emergency Department * Palmetto Health Richland
Columbia, SC 29209 * 803-434-6628

 Post Trauma Resources

Post Trauma Resources helps survivors of personal, work and duty-related trauma manage the emotional aftermath of these life-changing experiences. In addition, the agency provides crisis response services to businesses, schools, governmental agencies and other organizations. Services are provided by trained and experienced counselors and social workers who assist children, individuals, couples, and families.

1709 Laurel Street * Columbia, SC 29201
Main: (803) 765-0700 * Fax: (803) 765-1607
www.posttrauma.com
 

 Richland County Sheriff's Department

The Richland County Sheriff's Department Special Victims Unit investigates all sexual assaults, any sexual related criminal offense such as peeping tom, and crimes involving unlawful touching or sexual exploitation of juveniles. This unit also supervises the County sex offender registry.

Additionally, this unit investigates all child and elder abuse cases, which generally involve physical abuse, neglect or exploitation. A sergeant is assigned to this unit and he supervises 5 investigators. The crime of criminal sexual assault is a very serious felony with a maximum sentence of 30 years (85% mandatory service time prior to parole eligibility). Based upon this fact, coupled with the needed sensitivity pertaining to the required victim interaction, our sex crimes investigators are a highly trained and veteran group possessing a special ability to handle these cases.

5623 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223
Main:(803) 576-3000
Fax: (803) 576-3190


 Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands

Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands (STSM) in Columbia, SC provides services to sexual trauma survivors and education about sexual trauma issues to the general public. The agency was established in 1983, and was formerly known as Rape Crisis Network. STSM serves three counties in the metropolitan area: Lexington, Newberry and Richland. The agency provides crisis intervention, a 24-hour hotline, hospital accompaniment, medical and legal advocacy, various group services (psycho-educational, support, therapy groups), short and long term counseling, public awareness programs and training for professionals including law enforcement, clergy, educators, and others. STSM is supported by a cadre of volunteers who assist in responding to hotline and hospital calls.

2001 Greene Street, Suite D * Columbia, SC 29205
Main: (803) 252-8393 Hotline: (803) 771-RAPE


 State Office of Victim Assistance ~ Office of the Governor

The State Office of Victim Assistance (SOVA) operates a financial assistance program to help victims with expenses directly resulting from a crime that are not covered by other sources. SOVA joined the Richland County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) in efforts to promote awareness and improve the response and services provided to victims of sexual assault. SOVA is authorized by state law to pay medical facilities for allowable charges incurred when completing a Sexual Assault Protocol Exam at the request of law enforcement with no cost being incurred by the victim.

1205 Pendleton St. Room 401* Columbia, SC 29201
Office: (803)734-1900 Fax: (803)734-1708 Victims Line: (800) 220-5370
www.govoepp.state.sc.us/sova


 USC Office for Sexual Health & Violence Prevention

The Office for Sexual Health & Violence Prevention (SH&VP) is located on the University of South Carolina’s campus and provides 24-hour advocacy for USC students who are victims of sexual assault and relationship violence. In addition to crisis intervention services, SH&VP provides information, options counseling, assistance with the legal and student judicial systems, and referrals. The staff is dedicated to coordinating campaigns and providing educational programs to raise awareness of issues surrounding interpersonal violence.

Thomson Student Health Center, Lower Level * University of South Carolina * Columbia, SC 29208
Main: (803) 777-8248 * Fax: (803) 777-5678
www.sa.sc.edu/wellness/sas/htm


 USC Division of Law Enforcement & Safety

The Division of Law Enforcement & Safety's investigative member of the SART has the role of performing all the typical duties normally associated with those of a police department, i.e., seeing to the immediate safety of the victim; conducting interviews; locating and processing evidence at the crime scene; identifying, arresting and assisting with the prosecution of the suspect.

The Division's victim advocate, also a representative on the SART, has the responsibility of providing whatever support the victim may require. That may include providing information concerning the forensic examination, answering questions about the criminal and judicial processes, or identifying resources victims may need to assist them in their recovery.

1501 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29208
Main (803) 777-4215 Fax (803) 777-6715
www.les.sc.edu
 

© 2005 Richland County SART

Site designed by Katherine LaLima