Secure traces of physical violence in good time
A free examination center at the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg supports victims in documenting physical violence
Victims who have experienced physical violence often do not report it or do not report it immediately. There are many reasons for this. However, if physical injuries resulting from domestic or sexualized violence or abuse are documented quickly, those affected can then make a decision for or against filing a criminal complaint without time pressure. Since the beginning of the year, the Examination Center for Victims of Violence (USG) at the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg has been providing support.
"Our medical staff have years of experience in the legally compliant documentation and assessment of the consequences of physical violence," says Prof. Dr. Ulrike Schmidt, senior physician at the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. The service is intended to offer those affected the opportunity to have traces of injury objectively documented to the highest professional standards without having to involve the police or other authorities first. "We want to offer people who have experienced physical violence a low-threshold service, regardless of whether or not criminal charges are brought," says Schmidt. The documentation is free of charge and is open to anyone affected by physical violence. Those affected can contact us directly or be referred by physicians and psychotherapists who are treating them.
Legally compliant documentation buys victims time
It is advisable to contact the USG as soon as possible. However, even if some time has already passed, the documentation can still be completed. "It always makes sense to document injuries while they are still visible," explains Schmidt. During the appointment at the USG, the physicians carry out an examination of the body surface of the affected person. In addition to written and, if necessary, photographic documentation of the findings, additional evidence such as items of clothing and patient samples are secured where necessary.
The data, samples and findings collected are registered at the Institute of Forensic Medicine and stored appropriately in accordance with legal requirements. If the person examined subsequently decides to report the incident to the police, the findings can be requested by the investigating authorities.
Appointments for an examination at the USG
An appointment is required and can be made by calling 0761 203-6850. Business hours are Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4.30 pm. Outside of business hours and on public holidays, those affected can leave a message and contact details for a callback. An anonymized examination is possible in individual cases and by special prior arrangement. Forensic medical examinations are subject to medical confidentiality. No acute injuries can be treated at the Institute of Forensic Medicine. If necessary, these must have already been treated by a doctor before a presentation.
Counseling services in Freiburg
The Institute of Forensic Medicine works together with the counseling center Frauenhorizonte - gegen sexuelle Gewalt e.V. as well as with the Freiburg Specialist Center for Intervention against Domestic Violence (FRIG) and the Women's and Child Protection House Freiburg/Women's Counseling Center for Domestic Violence. Particularly in cases of acute sexualized violence, it is recommended that those affected first contact Frauenhorizonte - gegen sexuelle Gewalt e.V. on 0761 2858585. The trained counsellors are available around the clock and can help coordinate the necessary investigations. In cases of domestic violence, victims can contact the Frauen- und Kinderschutzhaus Freiburg/Frauenberatungsstelle bei häuslicher Gewalt at any time on 0761 31072 and receive the necessary support.
Contact the examination center for victims of violence:
Untersuchungsstelle für Gewaltbetroffene (USG)
Albertstraße 9
79104 Freiburg
Institute of Forensic Medicine
Medical Center - University of Freiburg
Tel. 0761 203-6850
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Ulrike Schmidt
Senior Physician
Institute of Forensic Medicine
Medical Center - University of Freiburg
Tel. 0761 203-6824
ulrike.schmidt@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Back
Medical Center - University of Freiburg
Central Information
Phone: 0761 270-0
info@uniklinik-freiburg.de
For press inquiries:
Corporate Communications
Breisacher Straße 153
79110 Freiburg
Phone: 0761 270-84830
kommunikation@uniklinik-freiburg.de