General information on victim protection (portal)

Victim protection and rapid assistance for victims are an important concern of the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia. The victim protection portal makes it possible for those affected to obtain information on the most important issues relating to victim protection quickly, easily and free of charge.

The online platform is a guide to the wide range of victim support services and is aimed at victims, relatives and all other people in the social environment.

Being the victim of a crime is a terrible experience for those affected and their relatives. The experience is often particularly traumatizing for victims of violence and sexual offences.

It is not only the crime itself that is stressful, but also the subsequent investigations and criminal proceedings. No one is prepared for such a situation. And few people know what to expect, what rights they have and how the investigation and criminal proceedings will proceed.

In addition to investigating the crime as a task and duty of the rule of law, it is important to provide the victims of crime with the best possible support and to accompany them on their way out of the role of victim. Every victim should receive fast, uncomplicated and reliable help and support.

The victim protection portal makes the variety of services visible. In North Rhine-Westphalia, there are a wide range of state-funded services for victims, such as

• Counseling centers
• Counseling centers
• Telephone hotlines
• Information materials
• Support during criminal proceedings
• the possibility of having traces of a sexual offense secured anonymously (ASS)
• Information about the procedure and rights in criminal proceedings
• Trauma outpatient clinics
• Financial support for victims
• and much more

The North Rhine-Westphalia Victim Protection Portal offers victims and their relatives a free, up-to-date overview of the counseling and support services available in the area where they live and nationwide.

Find help quickly

You can use the search function on the victim protection portal to find counseling services in your area based on certain characteristics or your location. The services are specialized in supporting relatives and victims of crime.

Important for victims of crime

If you want criminal proceedings to be initiated against the perpetrators, you must file a complaint with the police. You can do this at any police station in your area or you can use the online criminal complaint option on the internet.

Police crime prevention provides information

The following explanatory videos on the subject of victim protection provide you with comprehensive information and education on the following topics:

• Helping victims - but how?
• Becoming a victim - 5 case studies
• The first steps
• Investigations and criminal proceedings
• Victims' rights
• Extended victims' rights
• Why file a complaint

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