Palmetto Citizens Against Sexual Assault (PCASA) was recognized for their extraordinary efforts to provide quality care to victims of sexual assault. The South Carolina Victim Assistance Network (SCVAN) presented PCASA with an award marking this new level of excellence at a brief ceremony in Richburg at the Gateway Conference Center October 3.
Amanda Brown, SCVAN coordinator, said “The excellence designation lets the state know which agencies are going above and beyond to ensure they are providing exceptional care to sexual assault victims.”
Brown presented the SAFE (Sexual Assault for Forensic Excellence) Agency award to Charquisha McGriff, PCASA project coordinator, and said “PCASA is only the third advocacy group in South Carolina to receive the SAFE designation.”
McGriff accepted the award on behalf of PCASA.
“These victims are going through the most terrible times in their lives and we want to be be there to help and support them along the way and make sure we are giving them the best care possible,” McGriff said.
SCVAN provides the free training to ensure victims of sexual assault and domestic violence receive the same basic level of care throughout the entire process no matter where they seek treatment.
The classification can be earned by hospitals, first responders, law enforcement and advocacy groups when 75% of their staff completes the two-hour training on evidence preservation and trauma-informed care. To maintain the accreditation, the agency is required to attend updated training every two years.
About two dozen professionals, all a part of the Tricounty Sexual Assault Response Team, were present. They included law enforcement, advocacy groups and members of the solicitor’s office from Lancaster, Fairfield and Chester. PCASA has been working hard for the past three years to form this coalition.
Solicitor Randy Newman attended with his staff.
“Anytime we can get everybody in one room and get everybody on the same page, I think it is absolutely helpful not only to my staff but to every agency involved,” he said. “We learn from each other.”
Palmetto CASA is an advocacy center which provides direct services to victims of sexual assault in Lancaster, Chester and Fairfield counties.
SCVAN has been working in South Carolina for over 35 years to ensure all victims of crime are aware of their rights.
For more information, visit www.scvan.org and www.palmettocasa.org.
Tailgates & Typewriters 