Gewalttat; Beantragung einer Entschädigung

People who suffer damage to their health as a result of an act of physical or psychological violence can receive state compensation. If an injured person dies as a result of the act of violence, their surviving dependants may also be entitled to compensation.

Compensation is paid for the health (physical and psychological) consequences of an act of violence; not for suffering and injustice suffered.

In most cases, the amount of possible benefits depends on the severity of the damage to health resulting from the act of violence. Eligible persons are entitled to, among other things, medical treatment, a monthly compensation payment if applicable, compensation for professional disadvantages, rapid assistance benefits and supplementary benefits. Eyewitnesses to acts of violence and surviving relatives may also be entitled to these benefits if they suffer from mental health problems as a result of being notified of the violent death of their loved one.

In the case of acts of violence that occurred after December 31, 2020, victims, relatives and surviving dependents may also receive rapid psychotherapeutic support in a trauma outpatient clinic.

The following compensation benefits have applied since 01.01.2024:

Monthly compensation payment

It is granted according to the degree of the consequences of the injury (GdS) regardless of earned income and other income and amounts to between EUR 418 (GdS of 30) and EUR 2,091 (GdS of 100) per month.

Vested benefits

Injured parties whose application for benefits was already decided before 01.01.2024 will receive the benefits granted on 31.12.2023 as a fixed monthly cash amount increased by 25%, unless the benefits under the new Social Compensation Act are more favorable for them. In this respect, there is a right to choose.

Occupational injury compensation

Injured parties who are entitled to benefits and who have to accept a reduced income due to the recognized health disorders are granted compensation for occupational damage under certain conditions.

• Declaration of consent

  A written declaration is required that you agree to the collection of findings and reports from the treating doctors and hospitals. However, this can also be submitted later.

Persons who have suffered damage to their health (physical or psychological) as a result of an intentional and unlawful assault (physical act of violence) or intentional, unlawful and serious behavior directly directed against a person's free will (psychological act of violence) can apply for benefits.

You can submit the application informally, online, in writing or verbally to the responsible Bavarian Center for Family and Social Affairs (or any other authority).

The Zentrum Bayern Familie und Soziales will examine the facts of the case. First of all, it must be established whether there has been an act of violence. For this purpose, the files of the state investigating authorities (police, public prosecutor's office, court) are consulted and, if necessary, witnesses are interviewed.

The documents relating to the injuries are then obtained from the treating hospitals and doctors and examined; if necessary, an assessment is carried out to determine the health consequences.

The benefits to which you may be entitled are then examined; this depends on the specific needs of the injured person.

The processing time depends on how quickly the investigation can be completed. This may take some time if the necessary documents are not available, witnesses have to be interviewed by the authorities or a medical assessment is required.

None. In principle, however, benefits are only paid from the month in which the application was submitted. However, if the application is submitted within one year of the damaging event, benefits are paid from the time of the act.