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COURT ADVOCACY & ACCESS TO JUSTICE
Nationally, less than 3 percent of domestic violence victims press charges against their abuser. Victims of domestic violence typically do not view themselves as crime victims.
The Court Advocacy Program at My Sister’s House assists those victims who consider either pressing charges, filing for an Order of Protection, or filing for a Restraining Order.
The Court Advocacy Program was established in order to provide victims with support and information regarding legal issues and procedures.
This program is made possible by our Court Advocate, Cheyenne Beets, and a supportive team of dedicated volunteer victim advocates who accompany clients to court and assist them with filing court documents.
In addition to their initial volunteer training, victim advocate volunteers attend a two-hour training session where the laws that affect the population served by My Sister’s House, Inc. are discussed in greater detail. Topics covered in the training session include the Protection from Domestic Violence Abuse Act, the Criminal Domestic Violence Act, court appearance and preparation, victim’s/witness’ rights, both the stalking and marital rape laws, and victim compensation.
The Court Advocacy Program seeks to inform victims of their rights which enables them to make an informed choice.
COURT ADVOCACY & ACCESS TO JUSTICE FAQ'S AND RESOURCES
BREAK THE SILENCE
April 2023
Court Advocacy & Access to Justice - Part 1
Orders of Protection and Restraining Orders for SC Domestic Violence Victims
Recorded
April 2023
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Facilitator
Tosha Connors CEO, My Sister's House
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Panelists
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Lisa Russell Staff Attorney, Charleston Legal Access
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Scott McNeish Attorney - Family Law, South Carolina Legal Services (Charleston office)
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Domestic violence nonprofit victim service providers serving South Carolina's Lowcountry region (Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley counties) discuss frequently asked legal questions from clients around Orders of Protection and Restraining Orders.
My Sister's House CEO Tosha Connors, CEO of My Sister's House, Lisa Russell, Staff Attorney with Charleston Legal Access, and Scott McNeish, Head of Family Law with the Charleston office of South Carolina Legal Services, engage in an in-depth overview covering:
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The differences between Orders of Protection and Restraining Orders;
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What to expect when filing for either an Order of Protection or a Restraining Order;
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Documenting abuse in preparation to provide evidence and testimony as a victim of domestic violence; and,
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The supportive role of Court Advocates and Law Enforcement Victim Advocates (LEVA's) in partnership with Attorneys in cases of domestic violence.
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DISCLAIMER
This recording is intended only as a general, informational overview of legal protections for victims of domestic violence in the South Carolina Lowcountry. It is not intended as individual legal counsel and should not be used as such. Please consult a licensed attorney (pro-bono and sliding scale attorneys are available for domestic violence victims in SC's Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley counties) for guidance and counsel in filing for an Order of Protection, Restraining Order, or other cases involving intimate partner violence.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM ADVOCACY DIRECTORY
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CITY OF CHARLESTON POLICE DEPARTMENT ADVOCATE
Catrice Smalls, Victim Advocate (843) 720-2425
Chelsea Hagan, Child Advocate (843) 720-3031
Vera Witt, Spanish Speaking Advocate (843) 720-3032
Joshua Williamson, Elder Advocate (843) 720-2534​
NORTH CHARLESTON POLICE DEPARTMENT ADVOCATE
Lisa Bullard (843) 740-2824
Sally Taylor (843) 740-2893
Minna Hosseini (843) 740-2891
Jessica Rodriguez (843) 740-2658
BERKELEY COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT ADVOCATE
Carol Grunsky (843) 719-4455
MT. PLEASANT POLICE DEPARTMENT ADVOCATE
Monica Kropp & Ruth Broughton 843-849-5690
Donna German (seniors) 843-884-4176
CHARLESTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S ADVOCATES
DORCHESTER COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT ADVOCATES
Margie Page, Kimberly Carter, Amanda Kwalam, Tammy Anderson (843) 832-0321
