Victims of Crime Services
Being a victim of crime can be a traumatic experience. Assistance for crime victims is important. The Catawba Indian Nation Justice Department Victims of Crime programs provides and array of services intended to help victims through this most difficult time.
Cooperation with Law Enforcement and the Criminal Justice system not only makes our Reservation a safer place for everyone but can hold criminals responsible and help to empower the victim within the justice process.
We realize that this process may be confusing as well as fearful to some individuals unfamiliar with this process. The program staff are here to help you through this difficult time by:
- Assistance with information on the court process in your case.
- Information on all your rights as a victim
- Transportation to and from court
- Assistance with Victims Compensation Forms.
- Assistance with Victims Impact Statements for Sentencing
- Crisis Response 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Crime Victims Have Rights
- The right to be treated with fairness and with respect.
- The right to be reasonably protected from the accused.
- The right to be notified of court proceedings.
- The right to be present at public court proceedings, unless the court determines that testimony by the victim heard other witness testimony at trail.
- The right to confer with the prosecutor in the case.
- The right to restitution.
- The right to information about the conviction, sentencing, and release of the offender.
- If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you have the right to have two confidential tests for sexually transmitted diseases, free of charge. You may also request a court order for the defendant to be HIV tested.
Coping with Traumatic Events
For some people, being the victim of crime can result in unusually strong emotions. While some people report almost no reaction, other report a variety of physical, emotional and behavioral responses.
Physical symptoms that you may experience include:
- Changes in appetite
- Nightmares/flashbacks
- Sleep disturbances
Contact Information
Melissa Foster, Victims Advocate
996 Avenue of the Nations
Rock Hill, SC 29730
Phone: (803) 415-0188
melissa.foster@catawba.com
Mandy Howard, Victims Advocate
996 Avenue of the Nations
Rock Hill, SC 29730
Phone: (803) 415-4152
mandy.howard@catawba.com
Meagan Spinks, Child & Youth Victims Advocate
996 Avenue of the Nations
Rock Hill, SC 29730
Phone: (839) 500-8999
meagan.spinks@catawba.com
Hailey Wade, Counselor
996 Avenue of the Nations
Rock Hill, SC 29730
Please call for appointments: (803) 366-4792 Ext 269
hailey.wade@catawba.com