Petition to Mandate Victim Advocates in Correctional Facilities: Justice for Casey Combs and All Victims of Wrongful Conviction

We, the undersigned, call on South Carolina state and local officials to require the presence of independent victim advocates in every correctional facility. This urgent reform is necessary to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of all incarcerated individuals—especially those, like Casey Combs of Charleston, SC, who are suffering the injustice of wrongful conviction.

Why This Petition Matters?

Casey Combs is one of many individuals in South Carolina who have been wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for crimes they did not commit. Wrongful conviction is a devastating reality that can happen to anyone, often due to factors such as mistaken identity, flawed forensic evidence, coerced confessions, or inadequate legal representation. For those like Casey, the nightmare does not end with the verdict. Instead, it is compounded by the daily struggle to survive in a system that too often ignores or violates the basic rights of its most vulnerable members.

Wrongful conviction tears families apart, destroys futures, and undermines the very foundation of our justice system. The emotional, psychological, and physical toll on those who are wrongfully convicted is immeasurable. These individuals are forced to endure not only the loss of their freedom but also the stigma and trauma that come with being labeled a criminal.

Once inside the correctional system, wrongfully convicted individuals face even greater challenges. They are frequently denied access to the resources, support, and advocacy needed to prove their innocence or protect their rights. Many experience neglect, mistreatment, and abuse, with little opportunity to seek help or justice. The absence of independent oversight means that their voices are often silenced, and their suffering goes unaddressed.

 The Critical Role of Victim Advocates:

Every person, regardless of conviction status, deserves the constitutional protections guaranteed to all citizens. Yet, in practice, incarcerated individuals—especially those who are wrongfully convicted—are at heightened risk of having their rights violated without consequence.

Placing independent victim advocates in every correctional facility is a crucial step toward justice and accountability. Victim advocates would:

~Serve as an impartial, trusted resource for inmates, ensuring their rights are respected and upheld.

~Provide guidance and support to inmates navigating a complex and often intimidating justice system.

~Investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or rights violations, and ensure that these issues are addressed transparently and fairly.

~Offer emotional and psychological support to those suffering from the trauma of wrongful conviction and incarceration.

~Promote a safer, more humane environment by reducing incidents of violence, mistreatment, and grievances.

Research and real-world experience show that correctional facilities with ombudsmen or advocacy programs have fewer violent incidents, reduced grievances, and greater transparency. These programs benefit not only inmates but also correctional staff and the broader community by fostering trust and accountability.

Our Demand

We call on South Carolina’s leaders to:

- Mandate the presence of independent, qualified victim advocates in every correctional facility.

- Ensure these advocates have the authority, training, and resources to investigate complaints, support inmates, and report violations.

- Affirm the constitutional rights and dignity of all incarcerated individuals, with special attention to those wrongfully convicted, like Casey Combs.

- Commit to ongoing oversight and evaluation to ensure that advocates are effective and that inmate rights are consistently protected.

Stand With Us:

By signing this petition, you are standing up for justice, human dignity, and the fundamental rights of every person—regardless of their circumstances or the mistakes of the justice system. You are giving a voice to the voiceless, supporting families torn apart by wrongful convictions, and helping to restore faith in our justice system.

Sign now to demand the immediate placement of victim advocates in every correctional facility and to seek justice for Casey Combs and all those who have suffered the injustice of wrongful conviction.

Thank you for your compassion, your support, and your commitment to fairness and true justice for all.