General Information

• Criminal Domestic Violence in South Carolina
  Updated Version - 2nd Edition
  -Introduction
  -Prosecution Information
  -Statistical Information
• Silent Witness
• Domestic Violence Shelters and Organizations
• Speaker Request Form

Training Information

• Domestic Violence and the Criminal Justice System Training
  • September 23, 2005
  • Registration
• Post Training Evaluation

Pro Bono Information

• General Information
• June 2005 Newsletter
• Attorneys: Register Your Interest
• Conflict of Interest
• Rule 608 Credit

Law Enforcement, Judges and Prosecutors

• Protocol Request Form
• Victim Information Form
• Centralized CDV Court Order

Contact Information

The Federal Violence Against Women Act (1994) was the first National legislation to specifically target Criminal Domestic Violence (CDV) and other abusive behaviors toward women. Through the Violence Against Women Act, a grant was established in the Department of Justice.

The South Carolina Office of the Attorney General established the S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women program in 1996 with monies the VAWA grant provided. Within the program there is a Special Prosecutor, a Program Coordinator and a Technical Assistant.

The primary goal of the S.T.O.P. program is to educate Law Enforcement, Judges and Prosecutors on CDV - its causes, consequences and laws pertaining thereto. Therefore, the Office of the Attorney General through the S.T.O.P. program hosts several trainings throughout the year and across the Palmetto State. Employees of the program quite regularly give speeches at other trainings or seminars in the state, as well.

In addition, the Office hosts an annual Silent Witness ceremony to remember the CDV homicide victims from the preceding year. It is important that the State of South Carolina and the Nation understand what a significant problem Criminal Domestic Violence is to our communities.

Finally, the S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women program acts as a clearinghouse for CDV statistics. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division graciously provides this office with data necessary to bring to the attention of the public the growing need for strong action against domestic violence.