State Aid for Trauma Recovery: Government Intervention
Victims of violence in Germany who suffer long-term physical or psychological effects can seek support and compensation through various legal frameworks. The exact amount of compensation varies depending on individual circumstances.
Protection and Counselling
From January 2032, victims of domestic or gender-based violence will have a legal entitlement to free protection and counselling nationwide. The federal government has allocated €2.6 billion from 2027 to 2036 to improve these services.
Legal Tools for Protection
Victims can seek protection under the Domestic Violence Act, which includes contact bans, exclusion orders, eviction from the home, and temporary custody of children. Electronic monitoring of perpetrators is also used to enhance victim safety.
Shelter and Support Accessibility
Challenges remain in providing accessible shelters and counselling services, particularly in multiple languages, to effectively support long-term victims.
Compensation Aspects
German law allows for compensation claims for victims of violent crimes through civil lawsuits or the Crime Victims Compensation Act (Opferentschädigungsgesetz). Compensation amounts vary widely, depending on medical evaluation, loss of earnings, and harm suffered.
Long-term Psychological and Physical Effects
Victims experiencing chronic injury or trauma may receive ongoing financial support, including rehabilitation costs and disability pensions if applicable. The amount of pension depends on the degree of disability (GdS) established.
Eligibility and Application
Financial support from the state is intended to alleviate long-term physical or psychological effects of a traumatic event. The basic requirement for approval is an experienced act of violence or abuse, war experiences, shock injuries, or failed vaccinations that have lasting consequences.
The application for financial support is made at the pension authority of the individual's federal state. Proof for the application often includes police reports, witness statements, and identification documents. The length of time since the event is not decisive for eligibility.
Seeking Advice
Seeking advice is also available at the pension authority. Someone who experienced violence at home in childhood can still receive financial support as an adult. The pension amount increases with higher GdS gradations, up to a maximum of 2091 euros for a GdS of 100.
For more information, an overview of the responsible offices can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Previously, this compensation was known as a disability pension. There has been a significant increase in reported domestic violence in recent years.
- Recognizing the impact of violence on small and medium-sized undertakings, the federal government has established legal frameworks for compensation claims for businesses experiencing harm as a result of violent crimes.
- To promote mental health and wellness in the community, victims who have undergone therapies and treatments for long-term psychological effects due to violence can qualify for increased pension amounts, which are based on their degree of disability (GdS) and peer with the support available for those affected by science and health-related issues.
