Reaching Rural Project

In 2018, SCVAN received one of three subawards from the National Crime Victim Law Institute and the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime to increase legal access to rural crime victims using technology.

We focus on the underserved areas of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties.

Reaching Rural serves these communities in two ways:

Victims' Rights Centers (VRCs)

We partnered with local organizations in six counties to establish Victims’ Rights Centers - private, secure office spaces where victims have access to a computer, a secure internet connection, scanner, and printer. Videoconferencing connects victims and attorneys for consultations and meetings prior to representation in court.

User Friendly Videoconferencing for Victims & Attorneys

Technology is used with a Smartphone or personal device. No app or special software is required for victims, which is critical for their safety. Attorneys receive account credentials to initiate the call. If victim cannot travel to a VRC due to a transportation, health, or safety reason, they can still quickly connect with an attorney. A simple link launched from Firefox or Chrome starts an encrypted video call between attorney and victim.