Everything You Need to Know About Trauma Therapy (Traumatherapie) as Psychological Reparation for Victims of Hate Crimes in Germany
Experiencing a hate crime – whether racist, religiously motivated or otherwise – does not only cause physical harm. It often leaves deep psychological wounds that may affect the victim for years. In Germany, psychological support is recognised as a key part of victims’ rights, and trauma-focused psychotherapy (Traumatherapie) is one of the most important forms of psychological reparation and long-term support.
The term Traumatherapie refers to a form of psychotherapy specifically designed for people who have experienced psychological trauma. Its aims include:
working through painful emotions and intrusive memories
restoring a sense of safety, control and self-confidence
enabling the victim to gradually return to everyday life and routines
Victim Compensation Act (Opferentschädigungsgesetz – OEG)
The OEG allows victims of violent crimes to apply for financial and medical benefits.
These benefits can include the costs of psychotherapy, such as trauma therapy.
It is not necessary to prove physical injury only – psychological damage is also recognised as part of the compensable harm.
Victim support funds
Many German federal states maintain special funds to finance therapy sessions, especially after right-wing extremist or racist attacks.
1. Seek immediate help
Contact your general practitioner (Hausarzt / Hausärztin) or a local psychological or psychosocial counselling centre.
They can issue a referral to a psychotherapist or trauma specialist.
2. Contact victim support organisations
For example Weißer Ring, refugee support centres or human rights NGOs.
These organisations offer personal support, help you arrange appointments and assist with bureaucratic procedures and applications.
3. Apply for cost coverage
Through your health insurance (Krankenkasse), if you are insured.
Through the social welfare office (Sozialamt) if you are not insured or cannot afford the treatment on your own.
Specialised trauma therapy offers:
A safe, non-judgmental space where you can talk about painful experiences without fear of blame
Specific techniques such as:
Exposure therapy, which gradually confronts traumatic memories in a controlled setting
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), using bilateral eye movements to process traumatic experiences
Prevention of chronic mental health conditions, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD / PTBS)
Yes. There are transcultural psychotherapy programmes that:
take into account the patient’s linguistic and cultural background
often work with professional interpreters trained for therapeutic settings
consider traumatic experiences both before and after migration
Do not delay seeking psychological help – the earlier you start, the higher the chances of successful recovery.
Keep medical reports, certificates and psychological assessments – they can support later compensation claims.
If language is a barrier, ask for a professional interpreter to accompany you to counselling and therapy sessions.
Reparation is not limited to money or criminal punishment for the offender. It also includes taking care of your own psychological well-being and healing inner wounds.
Trauma-focused psychotherapy is a crucial step in rebuilding your life after a hate crime.
Remember: your mental health is a priority, and there is a wide network of support services ready to stand by your side.
Traumatherapie: trauma-focused psychotherapy
Opferentschädigungsgesetz (OEG): Victim Compensation Act
Weißer Ring: nationwide victim support organisation
Krankenkasse: health insurance provider
Psychotrauma: psychological trauma caused by extreme stress or violence
* The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on careful research and multiple sources. However, errors or incomplete information cannot be entirely ruled out. Please treat this text as an initial guide and always contact the competent authorities or a qualified legal/medical professional for binding, up-to-date advice.
