General information

The victim protection portal provides quick and easy-to-understand information on key issues following a crime. It offers orientation for victims, relatives and support staff - with an overview of help services in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The North Rhine-Westphalia Victims' Commissioner, Barbara Havliza, is the central point of contact for victims. She advocates for the interests of victims and helps them find suitable support.

The North Rhine-Westphalia Commissioner for Combating Anti-Semitism, Jewish Life and the Culture of Remembrance is the point of contact for those affected by and victims of anti-Semitic acts and incidents.

Trained police officers help victims after a crime - directly and personally. Police victim protection provides support both during and outside of criminal proceedings.

The police provide information about risks, warn against crime and give specific tips for protection. The nationwide prevention work helps to identify and prevent violence and crime at an early stage.

Victims' rights take center stage in criminal proceedings. The justice system offers protection, information and support - for example through psychosocial trial support or improved opportunities for participation.

The police in North Rhine-Westphalia are organized into 47 district police authorities. Contact persons are available locally to help take reports and offer protection.

Reporting a crime to the police is the first step in prosecuting a criminal offense. In North Rhine-Westphalia, you can contact your local police authority at any time - in person, by telephone or online.

Anyone who is the victim of a violent crime is entitled to benefits under the 14th Social Code (SGB XIV) under certain conditions, which was introduced on January 1, 2024. This replaced and modernized the former Victim Compensation Act.

The testimony of a witness is of great importance in court. Witness statements are indispensable for clarifying many facts and therefore make a significant contribution to establishing the truth.

In addition to the NRW Victim Protection Portal, there are many other portals with useful information on the subject of victim protection and offers of support in the search for advice centers in your area.