Columbia attorney Carl L. Solomon was among the speakers featured recently at three one- day seminars sponsored by The National Center for Victims of Crime. These seminars were offered free to professionals in South Carolina who deal with crime victims.

The training seminars, titled Civil Justice for Victims of Crime in South Carolina, were geared toward educating victim advocates, law enforcement officers, mental health service providers, social workers, prosecutors, and other public officials on civil legal options available to victims.

"Some 23 million Americans become victims of crime each year," says Carl L. Solomon. "While the criminal courts may order restitution paid to the victim, this seldom covers all the monetary costs involved and offers nothing as compensation for the victim's pain and suffering."

A civil action filed by the victim against the perpetrator allows the victim some control and holds the defendant accountable to the victim, regardless of whether there was a successful criminal prosecution. Solomon adds, "Training seminars such of those offered by The National Center for Victims of Crime provide valuable information that those working with victims can communicate."

The July 2009 seminars were co- sponsored by the SC Victim Assistance Network, SC Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, the SC Department of Juvenile Justice, and the North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety.

Solomon is partner in the Gergel, Nickles, and Solomon law firm.

The National Center for Victims of Crime is dedicated to forging a national commitment to help victims of crime rebuild their lives. The National Center's toll- free Helpline, 1-800-FYI-CALL, offers supportive counseling, practical information about crime and victimization, and referrals to local community resources, as well as skilled advocacy in the criminal justice and social service systems.