Bolstered Tracing Agreements for Victim Safeguarding

In a significant move to support victims of domestic violence, sexual assaults, and other crimes, the addition of violence clinics in Ulm and Freiburg has been proposed by Johannes Bauernfeind, Chairman of the Board of AOK Baden-Württemberg.

These clinics, already operational in Heidelberg, Stuttgart, and (from 2023) Ulm, offer free, confidential, and court-admissible evidence collection services. This service provides victims with the security of being able to report crimes at any time, without fear of evidence being irretrievably lost.

The court-admissible securing of evidence is a crucial step in enabling the conviction of perpetrators at a later date. It also gives victims the option not to decide immediately after an incident whether or not to file a criminal complaint.

The Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, and Integration has been a strong supporter of these clinics since their inception, with around one million euros allocated for their operation in 2024.

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Kunz, a prominent figure in this initiative, emphasizes the importance of easy access to specialized consultation, care, and court-admissible documentation of injuries. He believes this foundation provides increased legal certainty for victims of violence in Baden-Württemberg.

Early examination is particularly crucial in cases of domestic violence, strangulation, suspected child abuse, sexual assault, violence against the elderly, or other violent incidents such as brawls or attacks with dangerous objects.

The offer of procedure-independent trace evidence is open to everyone, regardless of age, gender, origin, or financial situation. For those with statutory health insurance, the costs of trace evidence are covered confidentially by the respective health insurance company.

The University Hospitals in Freiburg, Heidelberg, Ulm, and Stuttgart (opening in 2023) operate these violence ambulances. Minister Manne Lucha has highlighted the importance of this service, stating that the possibility of independent evidence collection is an important achievement for victims of violence.

Prof. Dr. Annette Thierauf-Emberger and Prof. Dr. Ulrike Schmidt, from the University Hospital Freiburg, welcome the contract conclusion, stating it supports victims of sexualized violence and physical abuse in making a self-determined decision for or against legal steps.

For those in need of these services, contact information for the clinics in Freiburg, Heidelberg, Stuttgart, and Ulm is provided. Additionally, the Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, and Integration can be contacted via email for press inquiries or through a contact form for citizens.

This expansion of violence clinics in Baden-Württemberg marks a significant step forward in providing support and legal certainty for victims of crime.