What should you do if you have become the victim of extremist violence?

• Most importantly: Do not hesitate to get help. In the case of threats you can get help from the police, friends and family as well as from experts from counselling services in Counselling centres.
• Are there any witnesses who saw what happened? If so, please identify them, if possible including their names, addresses and telephone numbers.
• Have you been injured? Have a doctor examine you. This will allow your injuries to be documented and evidence to be secured. Obtain a medical certificate confirming the injuries you have sustained. Generally, all medical practices and hospital doctors will issue such certificates following an examination. In some cities, there are special outpatient clinics dedicated to the protection against violence, which provide assistance to victims of violent acts. At these clinics, victims can have injuries forensically documented, anonymously if so requested. You can find information on the possibilities of having physical evidence secured anonymously here.

• In the case of digital violence: Document the incident, e.g., with a screenshot.

More information

Contact points

• In addition to victim assistance facilities, which are targeted to those affected by criminal offences, there are many counselling services which specialise in providing support to victims of extremist violence. Some of them are organised in the association of counselling centres for victims of right-wing, racist and anti-Semitic violence in Germany (Verband der Beratungstellen für Betroffene rechter, rassistischer und antisemitischer Gewalt – VBRG). Watch the following video for an introduction to the VBRG and to find out support opportunities for people affected by violence.

• In addition to support by counselling services, it may also be advisable to consult a lawyer. If you need financial assistance, here you can find information on legal aid for consultations and court proceedings.Victims in need can also receive financial assistance from “Contra Rechtsextremismus,” a foundation of the German Bar Association which takes over the costs of legal counsel and representation in court.

Financial support

• Anyone who has suffered damage to their health as the result of an extremist violent crime is entitled to help under the Victims Compensation Act. More information can be found here.
• Victims of extremist crime may also receive hardship benefits from the State. Hardship benefits are one-off monetary payments which are provided as an expression of solidarity with the victims from the State and its citizens. They also underscore the condemnation of such offences. More information can be found here.
• For example, proprietors of shops which become the scene of a homicide or attempted homicide with an extremist background might be able to receive support services from the State. You can find more information here.
• If, at the time of the terrorist attack, a person was on the job or on a field trip with a school class or with university students, or if they were trying to help others after a terrorist attack and were injured in the process, they may be entitled to benefits under the statutory accident insurance scheme. In particular, this may include coverage of treatment costs and costs of medical rehabilitation, as well as payment of a pension. You can find more information on this issue here.
• Additional financial support is possible from victim assistance associations such as WEISSER RING, as well as from the victim assistance funds of the VBRG or the CURA victim fund of the Amadeu Antonio Foundation.

Here you can find comprehensive information on possible financial help for those affected by criminal offences.

Support in the case of psychological strain

If you need psychological or psychotherapeutic support after an attack or a violent crime, you can find advice and contact details here. Counselling services can also assist in arranging for psychological support.

Criminal complaints and criminal proceedings

Here you will find information on how to file a criminal complaint. If criminal proceedings are initiated, you can, under certain circumstances, join them as a private accessory prosecutor, and you may be entitled to psychosocial support at trial. You can find more information on criminal proceedings, private accessory prosecution and psychosocial support in court proceedings.

Information for local politicians

Local politicians who are threatened by hate and incitement can find additional opportunities for support and contact points at “Stark im Amt – Portal für Kommunalpolitik gegen Hass und Gewalt” (Empowering the Office – Portal for local politics against hate and violence). The portal offers affected individuals direct access to information and services to prevent attacks as well as how to overcome the challenges of an attack.

Support in the case of digital violence

The HateAid counselling service offers those affected by digital violence straightforward counselling and support. Its sponsor is a member of the Hatred on the Web competence network in the federal “Living Democracy!” programme.

Activism against extremism

Many individuals, associations and initiatives are active for diversity and democracy and against extremism. For example, they engage in projects designed to prevent manifestations of extremism from growing or, in the ideal case, not appearing in the first place.

• The Amadeu Antonio Foundation has the goal of strengthening German civil society against right-wing extremism, anti-Semitism and racism; it supports various initiatives and projects committed to democratic culture and is active in protecting minorities and other potential victims. It continues to financially support victims of right-wing extremist, racists, anti-Semitic and other attacks motivated by prejudice with its CURA victim fund (e.g., assistance in treatment, counselling or attorney costs or to replace urgently needed destroyed property).
• Xenophobic statements and actions endanger democracy and social cohesion. Thus, the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend – BMFSFJ) has been providing support since 2015 within the scope of the “Living Democracy!” National Programme to projects nationwide which are actively engaged for democracy, diversity and against xenophobia. The programme supports over 500 projects and measures which focus on local, regional and inter-regional issues.
• The Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community (Bundesministerium des Inneren, für Bau und Heimat – BMI), in conjunction with the Federal Government Commissioner for the New Länder, engages in the federal programme titled “Solidarity Through Participation” (Zusammenhalt durch Teilhabe), which funds projects in the new Länder designed to foster democratic participation and against extremism. Its goal is to support, continue to develop and anchor the infrastructure of citizen commitment for the purpose of strengthening a self-confident, lively and democratic community culture in rural and structurally weak regions. The “Solidarity through Participation” programme is carried out by the Federal Agency for Civic Education (Bundeszentrale für Politische Bildung) and is thus closely linked in terms of content with many other civil education offers.
• The Info Portal of the Competence Network for Prevention of Right-wing Extremism (Infoportal des Kompetenznetzwerks Rechtsextremismusprävention – KompRex) has a comprehensive list of existing counselling, educational and informational offers on the topic of right-wing extremism.
  The info portal is directed to all people with questions and concerns in dealing with right-wing extremism, as well as to professional offices, projects and facilities so that they can network with one another, be aware of each other and make referrals to one another.
  The search for services can be made in a targeted manner based on subject, region, target group and format.

• The teams working with the Mobile Counselling against Right-wing Extremism, Racism and anti-Semitism provide counselling to individuals and organisations nationwide, including with regard to prevention. For additional information, you can watch the short film on mobile counselling.