Terrorist offences are not targeted against specific individuals. Rather, the aim pursued by terrorists is to shock our free society. For this reason, the state has a particular responsibility to provide those affected with practical, psychosocial and financial support as quickly as possible after the offence.

Following criminal offences presumed to have a terrorist background, the Federal Public Prosecutor General usually takes over the investigation. The Federal Public Prosecutor General at the Federal Court of Justice (also referred to as the Office of the Federal Prosecutor) is responsible, among other things, for prosecuting offences against the security of the state. This includes criminal offences falling within the definition of terrorism.

Support services for persons affected by terrorist offences

• If you have been affected by a terrorist attack, whether as a direct or indirect victim, as a witness, or because you have lost a person close to you, and if you have yet not had contact with the police, you should contact the nearest police station. The police will be able to arrange for further support and will take your statement regarding the incident.
• If you have been injured, get yourself checked by a doctor so that evidence can be secured and your injuries can be documented. In some cities, there are special outpatient clinics dedicated to the protection from violence which provide assistance to victims of violent acts. There, victims can have injuries forensically documented.

• What is most important: Do not hesitate to get help if you are scared or feel insecure, or if you have any questions. There are a multitude of possibilities to obtain support:

  • The Federal Government Commissioner for Persons Affected by Terrorist and Extremist Attacks Committed on National Territory, Pascal Kober, arranges for support for all persons affected by terrorist offences committed on domestic territory.
  • In addition, many Länder have appointed victim commissioners who act as contact persons for those affected by terrorist attacks.
  • Moreover, victim support organisations (which can be found through the service locator) provide assistance locally. Support services for persons affected by terrorist attacks committed abroad can be found below.

Further information

Anyone who has suffered damage to their health as the result of a terrorist offence is entitled to help under the Victim Compensation Act (Opferentschädigungsgesetz). You can find more information on this issue here.

In addition, persons affected by terrorist offences may be entitled to hardship payments. You can find more information on this issue here and on the Federal Office of Justice's website (only in german available).

Those who suffer financial losses due to terrorist offences may receive benefits from the State if their business premises or other premises became the crime scene of a terrorist attack in which persons were, or could have been, killed. An additional requirement is that the offence resulted in material damage (damage to property or pecuniary damage) having a considerable impact.

Self-employed persons, small companies and, in some cases, private or religious non-public-law institutions are entitled to apply for hardship payments. Applications for such payments are to be made to the Federal Office of Justice. There is no statutory entitlement to receive benefits.

More information on benefits as well as the relevant contact persons and application forms can be found at the Federal Office of Justice.
If, at the time of the terrorist attack, you were on the job or you were on a field trip with a school class or with university students, or if you were trying to help others after a terrorist attack, and if you were injured in the process, you 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.

Persons who experienced a terrorist attack or had a person close to them injured or killed in such an attack, often have intense reactions and emotions as a result. You can find information on professional support services here. Counselling services can also assist in arranging for psychological support.

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 in court proceedings. You can find more information on criminal proceedings, private accessory prosecution and psychosocial support in court proceedings here. Support in criminal proceedings.

You can download the information sheet “Help After a Terrorist Attack” here.

Abroad

The Coordination Centre for Providing Relief to German Victims and their Relatives following Major Accidents and Terror Attacks Abroad (NOAH) is a Federal Government institution providing acute and long-term psychosocial support after terrorist attacks abroad involving German victims. The institution also arranges for further support.