(A) Victims of trafficking in persons pursuant to this article are considered victims for purposes of the Victims' Bill of Rights and are entitled to all appropriate forms of compensation available pursuant to the South Carolina Victim Compensation Fund in accordance with the provisions of Article 13, Chapter 3, Title 16. Victims of trafficking in persons pursuant to this article also are entitled to the rights provided in Article 15, Chapter 3, Title 16.

(B) In addition to the provisions of subsection (A), in a prosecution for violations of the criminal provisions of this article, the identity of the victim and the victim's family must be kept confidential by ensuring that names and identifying information of the victim and victim's family are not released to the public, including by the defendant.

(C) Pursuant to Section 16-3-1240, it is unlawful, except for purposes directly connected with the administration of the victim compensation fund, for any person to solicit, disclose, receive, or make use of or authorize, knowingly permit, participate in or acquiesce in the use of any list, or names of, or information concerning persons applying for or receiving awards without the written consent of the applicant or recipient. The records, papers, files, and communications of the board, its panel and the director and his staff must be regarded as confidential information and privileged and not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act as contained in Chapter 4, Title 30.

HISTORY: 2012 Act No. 258, Section 1, eff December 15, 2012.

Code Commissioner's Note

Pursuant to 2017 Act No. 96, Section 14, the reference to "State Crime Victim's Compensation Fund" in (A) was changed to "South Carolina Victim Compensation Fund", and the reference to "victim's compensation fund" in (C) was changed to "victim compensation fund".