Reinforced protection for victims established through novel tracking agreements

In a significant step towards enhancing legal certainty for victims of violence, Minister Manne Lucha has signed contracts with the University Hospitals Freiburg and Ulm, following the initial agreement with University Hospital Heidelberg in 2023.

These agreements aim to provide higher legal certainty for victims, addressing a common fear that a crime may go unproven due to the victim's reluctance to report it. With the legally sound, anonymous, and free trace evidence, victims can report crimes at any time without worrying about losing crucial evidence.

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Kunz, Medical Director of the Institute of Legal Medicine at the University Hospital Ulm, emphasizes the importance of easy access to professional consultation, care, and legally admissible documentation of injuries. This service is particularly crucial in cases of domestic violence, strangulation, suspected child abuse, sexual assault, violence against the elderly, or other violent acts such as brawls or attacks with dangerous objects.

The court-admissible securing of evidence allows for the conviction of perpetrators at a later date and gives victims the opportunity to decide whether or not to file a criminal complaint without having to do so immediately after the incident.

The state of Baden-Württemberg and health insurers have provided financial support, significantly advancing towards the goal of comprehensive legal medical care. Notable health insurers such as AOK, Barmer, and DAK have signed additional contracts with the state for cost coverage in independent evidence collection.

Johannes Bauernfeind, Chairman of the Board of AOK Baden-Württemberg, emphasizes that violence clinics offer victims a free, confidential, and legally admissible evidence collection service. Minister Lucha also emphasized that the possibility of independent evidence collection allows victims of violence to secure evidence without immediately deciding to file a criminal complaint.

Prof. Dr. Annette Thierauf-Emberger and Prof. Dr. Ulrike Schmidt, from the Institute of Legal Medicine and the Forensic Center for Victims of Violence at the University Hospital Freiburg, welcome the conclusion of the contract. They believe it supports victims of sexualized violence and physical abuse in making a self-determined decision for or against legal action.

Four violence ambulances in Baden-Württemberg offer independent trace evidence, located at the university clinics in Freiburg, Heidelberg, Ulm, and (future) Stuttgart. Contact information for these clinics, as well as the Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, and Integration, are provided for those seeking assistance.

The operation of the violence ambulances has been funded by the Ministry of Social Affairs since their inception, with around one million euros allocated for 2024. The ministry can be contacted via their press office or citizen's representative for further information.

This expansion of independent trace evidence services is a significant step in ensuring that victims of violence in Baden-Württemberg have the support they need to seek justice and make informed decisions about their legal options.