In South Carolina, what term is used to describe a victim of a criminal offense?

In South Carolina, the term "Complainant" specifically refers to a victim of a criminal offense. This designation is used in legal contexts to indicate an individual who reports the crime and seeks justice through the legal system. The complainant is the person who brings the complaint to the authorities, outlining the alleged wrongdoing.

Using "Accuser" might imply a more adversarial role, where the focus is on the act of accusing rather than the broader context of being a victim. "Victim Advocate" refers to a professional who supports and represents the interests of victims throughout the legal process, rather than the victim themselves. The term "Defendant" identifies the individual accused of committing a crime, which is entirely different from the perspective of the victim in the situation. Therefore, the most accurate term to describe a victim in the context of a criminal offense in South Carolina is the "Complainant."