Stiftung Rheinland-Pfalz für Opferschutz

The Stiftung Rheinland-Pfalz für Opferschutz was established in 2002 by the Rhineland-Palatinate state government within the Ministry of Justice. It provides supplementary, unbureaucratic financial grants for victims of criminal offenses and their surviving dependents when damages cannot be compensated by other means. Furthermore, it supports non-profit organizations in Rhineland-Palatinate that are dedicated to the care and assistance of crime victims. The foundation works closely with established institutions and volunteer helpers and makes application forms as well as guidelines available on its website.

The foundation is committed to effective and practical victim protection in Rhineland-Palatinate. Its goal is to provide prompt and unbureaucratic financial assistance to those affected by crimes, thereby helping to alleviate material hardship. It also supports institutions that engage in preventive and follow-up care for crime victims.

The primary target group consists of natural persons who have become victims of a criminal offense from January 14, 2002 onwards and who either reside in Rhineland-Palatinate or where the criminal offense took place, provided that their own financial resources and claims for compensation against third parties are insufficient or unenforceable. Beyond the immediate victims, surviving dependents may also receive financial grants. Furthermore, the funding is aimed at non-profit organizations in Rhineland-Palatinate that are engaged on a voluntary or professional basis in the care, counseling, and prevention for victims of criminal offenses.