Have You Been Hurt?
Your Rights.
Right to lodge a complaint before the authorities. This is done at a police station or directly at the public prosecution service (Staatsanwaltschaft)
Right to ask for an interpreter. You have the right to an interpreter and the right to receive legal notification in a language you can understand.
Right to receive psychological support. For victims suffering severe damage, as well as for victims of sexual violence you also have the right to receive psychological support during the complete legal procedure.
Right to ask for and receive information about the developments of the judicial procedure. This applies in case you have been a victim of certain criminal offences, such as attempted murder or sexual violence.
Right to appear in the proceedings as a joint plaintiff, and the right to be assisted by a lawyer. In case you have been a victim of certain criminal offences, such as attempted murder or sexual violence. If you cannot afford it, you can ask the Court for financial support and under certain circumstances for the appointment of a lawyer free of charge.
Right to claim financial compensation for pain and suffering. If you have suffered physical or moral damages through an act of violence, you have the right to claim financial compensation for pain and suffering. This can be done either in the criminal procedure itself though a so-called adhesion procedure (Adhäsionsverfahren) or in a separate procedure before a civil court.
Right to ask that the accused be prohibited from contacting you or that they be forced to leave your home. Victims of domestic violence have the right to ask that the accused be prohibited from contacting you or that he is forced to leave the apartment, if you live together.
What to Expect.
Being the victim of a crime, you will be called as a witness. You can only refuse to testify if you are married or closely related to the accused.
You will need to provide your name and address. If you are threatened or otherwise in danger, you don’t have to submit your private address. You can instead provide another address where you can reliably be reached.
Where To Go for Help.
If you need help or legal support at any stage, you can contact one of the following free sources of support.
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, CALL THE POLICE ON: 112 (Europe-wide emergency number)
Free online legal services:
For Women:
Hilfetelefon (national):
Free phone: 08000 116 016 | Skype
Heidelberg local authority (for victims in Heidelberg)
For Children:
Kinderschutzverband (in Heidelberg)
Nummer gegen Kummer (for children and young people; national)
Free phone: 116 111 | Skype
For Refugees:
Verband BRG (for victims of racist, right-wing, or antisemitic abuse; national)
Evangelical Church of Heidelberg (in Heidelberg)
For Everyone:
Hilfetelefon (for women; national):
Free phone (multiligual): 08000 116 016 | Skype
Hilfetelefon (for men; national):
Free phone: 0800 123 9900 | Skype
WebChat (Mon – Thurs; 12-15:00 and 17-19:00)
Nummer gegen Kummer (for children and young people; national)
Free phone: 116 111 | Skype
