Overview
- The federal cabinet approved a Justice Ministry draft that would broaden free psychosocial accompaniment for victims throughout criminal proceedings.
- Psychosocial accompaniment means trained specialists offer information, stability, and practical help, while lawyers continue to handle legal advice.
- The plan makes support automatic for all minors and for people with cognitive impairments, ending the need to apply for help.
- Entitlement would extend to severe domestic violence cases, and adult victims of certain serious crimes would face fewer proof requirements to qualify.
- Brandenburg’s government endorsed the reform as a boost to victim protection, and current context shows only about 1,600 free assignments occur each year as Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig casts the push as part of a broader effort to curb violence that often targets women.