Forms of victim support

Counseling

The Victim Support Center advises people seeking help on their individual concerns and questions relating to the crime. We also offer support in coming to terms with the crime and, if necessary, refer people to specialists. On request and where possible, we offer psychosocial support during criminal proceedings (non-legal support).

Help that cannot be postponed and longer-term help

For the most urgent needs that arise as a result of the crime, the Victim Support Center can provide those affected with help that cannot be postponed, taking subsidiarity into account. For example, it can organize emergency accommodation, arrange legal assistance for initial clarifications, and initiate medical or psychological help. In the case of longer-term assistance, additional help can be provided if necessary until the health of the person concerned has stabilized and the other consequences of the crime have been eliminated or compensated for as far as possible.

Cost contributions for longer-term assistance from third parties

In contrast to assistance that cannot be postponed, victim support can provide longer-term assistance in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity. This type of assistance serves to overcome and cope with the consequences of a crime in the longer term. The amount of the cost contributions depends on the financial situation of the person concerned. Longer-term assistance is provided in the form of subsidiary cost credits if no other service providers such as the offender, insurance companies, etc. can be claimed.

Compensation for damages

Under certain circumstances, injured parties are entitled to compensation from the government. A distinction is made between material damages and non-material damages. Claims must be made within 5 years of the offense. The substantiated application must be submitted in writing to the Victim Support Office together with the relevant documents, which will then forward it to the government for a decision. You can obtain more detailed information from the Victim Support Office. You can find the application form on the online portal.

Legal aid

Proceedings under the Victim Assistance Act (Art. 25) are free of charge for victims and their relatives. In court and other administrative proceedings that are a consequence of the offense, the victim and his or her relatives are exempt from fees and costs in accordance with the procedural assistance provisions of the respective procedural regulations; this is subject to para. 3. ZPO in administrative court proceedings in accordance with para. 1 and in subsequent criminal and administrative law proceedings in accordance with para. 2, victims and their relatives are also entitled to the assistance of a legal aid provider.