Psychosocial trial support: victim support during the trial
A new coordination office is to make it easier for particularly vulnerable victims in Thuringia to receive special assistance in court proceedings. From December 1, requests for so-called psychosocial trial support can be submitted centrally to a coordination office based at the Thuringian Higher Regional Court (OLG), as the court announced on Wednesday.
Psychosocial counselors are available to support those affected when they have to testify in court, for example. They also provide support throughout the criminal proceedings. According to the Federal Ministry of Justice, the main aim of the support is to reduce the individual burden on victims. However, this does not constitute legal assistance. In other words, legal aid does not replace a lawyer.
"With the new service, we can help those affected by serious crimes even better to get through the criminal proceedings, which are particularly stressful for them," said the President of the Thuringian Higher Regional Court, Thomas Schneider.
The offer of this special type of assistance had already existed before, said OLG spokeswoman Stephanie Steinle. However, there is now a single point of contact for this. Five employees from the social services of the judiciary are in charge of the new coordination office. They can be contacted on +49 361 573534444 and by email at [email protected]. They are to clarify the need and quickly arrange a suitable companion, it was said. The employees also provide information on other offers of help outside the justice system.
According to the Federal Ministry of Justice, children and young people in particular who have been victims of violence and sexual offenses are entitled to psychosocial trial support. However, adult victims or relatives of victims may also be entitled under certain circumstances.
The establishment of the new coordination office is a significant step towards providing justice for vulnerable victims, as it offers psychosocial trial support in social affairs related to criminal proceedings. This support can greatly assist victims, particularly children and young people who have experienced violence or sexual offenses, in navigating the stressful court process.
Source: www.dpa.com
