Third annual Victims Matter Rally Held at State House
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Local advocates championed victims’ rights and increased funding for victims’ services at the State House on Thursday during the third annual Victims Matter Rally. The event aimed to shed light on the issues faced by crime victims and to pledge support for their rights.
An Appeal for Justice and Support
The State House building was packed with tables hosting advocacy groups providing resources and showcasing the struggles crime victims confront. Sarah Ford, an organizer of the event and the legal director of the S.C. Victim Assistance Network, affirmed the rally’s commitment to assuring victims they are not alone while navigating the criminal justice system.
The campaign calls for a fair and transparent criminal justice system – one where victims are shielded, their rights upheld, and their needs met with trauma-informed aid. Ford emphasized the importance of widespread involvement in this cause, saying, “This is not something we can say, ‘Someone else can take care of this.’ Victims and survivors need our voices.”
Creating Meaning from Tragedy
The Victims Matter Rally was instigated after the Bowen Turner case, an Orangeburg County man who was accused of sexually assaulting multiple teenagers across several counties. Turner escaped harsh justice through a plea deal and probation, inciting outrage among victim advocates and leading to the creation of these rallies.
Carl Smalls Sr., father of Carl Smalls Jr., a Charleston man murdered in 2002, spoke at the rally, urging the community to choose leaders who hold themselves accountable. Smalls hopes that by sharing their painful journey, they can prevent other families from enduring a similar ordeal.
Challenges to Victim Support Funds
One key topic of discussion at the rally was the potential cuts to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding, which many agencies in South Carolina rely on for support programs and resources for victims.
“We had $50 million just a few years ago and South Carolina is being provided $12 million this year,” Ford points out, highlighting the impact of funding reductions on victim services. She appealed to lawmakers to prioritize and fund victim services.
Calls for Support from the Public and Legislators
Attorney General Alan Wilson echoed Ford’s sentiment, urging state legislators to ensure the survival of victim support agencies. He suggested $10 million as a gap filler until VOCA funds are replenished.
Ford further encouraged the public to voice their support for victim services and appealed for contact with their legislators regarding these issues. She reminded everyone that their voices matter and can make a difference.
This year’s Victims Matter Rally reaffirmed its commitment to victims’ rights and the necessary support structures, aiming to spark discussion and inspire action. With public involvement and legislative commitment, it hopes to build a fair and caring system for victims of crime.
