The German federal government aims to strengthen psychosocial support for victims of crime. On Wednesday the cabinet introduced a draft bill co‑authored by Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD). The proposal seeks to give victims of severe domestic violence the right to free psychosocial process accompaniment and to provide them with legal counsel. It also plans to make access to such support simpler for children, youth and people with disabilities.
Hubig emphasised that domestic violence touches millions of Germans, especially women, and that 19 out of 20 cases go unreported-a vast “dark figure”. By improving support for victims of partner violence she said the draft is part of a broader strategy to better protect people from violence.
Key changes would allow minor victims and disabled persons to receive psychosocial accompaniment without filing an application. Adults who survive serious offenses would also be entitled to free accompaniment without needing to prove a special protective need. To ensure the long‑term availability of these services, the bill proposes raising the remuneration for process companions.