S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women Program
Services Training Officers and Prosecutors
General Information
Silent Witness
Law Enforcement, Judges and Prosecutors
Need assistance setting up a centralized CDV court in your area? Contact our section for additional information and guidance in navigating the process at (803) 803-734-3717. Additionally, our two prosecutors are available to provide as-needed assistance in prosecuting individual cases upon request. Contact Laura Church at lchurch@scag.gov with any further questions.
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 are two special prosecutors, a program coordinator and a program assistant.
The goals of the S.T.O.P program are twofold. One goal is to prosecute domestic violence and sexual assault cases. The other is to train law enforcement, judges, prosecutors, and victim advocates throughout the state about the causes, consequences and laws pertaining to domestic violence and sexual assault. Employees of the program 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 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.
Training Information
Join the Office of the Attorney General for a free, one-day training on criminal domestic violence and related topics. Trainings are geared for law enforcement officers, judges, attorneys and victim advocates. All trainings are approved for CLE, JCLE, CLEE, OVSEC, and Non-Social Work Hours.
Training Sessions
- Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking and the Law
March 15
Orangeburg, SC
Agenda
Training Booklet - Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking and the Law
April 16
Columbia, SC
Agenda
Training Booklet
This training is full. - Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking and the Law
May 17
Rock Hill, SC
Agenda
- Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking and the Law
August 7
North Charleston, SC
Agenda
Registration
Columbia, SC