Possibilities for action and help for victims, relatives and witnesses
This guide is aimed at people who have experienced right-wing, racist or anti-Semitic violence, as well as their relatives, friends and witnesses of an attack.
Anyone who has become a victim of such an act of violence sees themself torn out of everyday life. Often they feel hurt and frightened. When dealing with the police, many questions arise and many decisions must be made: Should I report a crime? What happens after I report a crime? Do I need a lawyer? What is the difference between a criminal case and a civil suit?
Many survivors are not very familiar with the legal and judicial system or have no experience at all with it. This guide is intended to help those affected to find their way in a non-routine situation. The individual chapters show what to look out for immediately after an attack. In addition, the guide provides an overview of the course of an investigation procedure and a criminal trial. Questions about compensation payments are addressed and the possible psychological consequences of an attack are also explained.
The guidebook is intended to give those affected, their relatives and witnesses a brief guide to important questions and decisions. However, it cannot be a substitute for talking about the issues in person and receiving in-depth counselling. No one should remain alone after an attack. Please contact Opferperspektive if you have been attacked or someone you know has been attacked.
Opferperspektive is an independent counselling centre for victims of right-wing and racist violence in the state of Brandenburg. The annex contains addresses of independent advice centres in other federal states as well as other helpful contacts in Brandenburg.
You can also download the brochure as a PDF here.
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