Victims of violence are often in shock after an offence. In addition to the physical and psychological consequences, there is often additional pressure: the question of whether and when to press charges. This is precisely where confidential forensics comes in. The information evening on GOBSIS (joint service for the preservation of evidence after sexual and violent offences) made it clear why this service plays a central role in victim protection.
What does confidential preservation of evidence mean?
Confidential evidence collection enables victims of violent or sexual offences to have medical examinations and evidence collected without having to report the crime to the police immediately. Victims are accompanied securely to the emergency outpatient clinic at reception. Treatment is confidential; the Info Point team is specially trained.
A key point: the decision to report the offence remains entirely with the person concerned. Traces can be secured independently of this and used later if desired.
"Body, victim, witness, evidence"
Sarah Günther (Equal Opportunities Officer for the City of Mönchengladbach) put it succinctly: the body of a victim is simultaneously victim, witness and evidence. Many victims do not realise that they can have evidence preserved anonymously - even in a hospital other than the nearest one and without reporting it to the police.
Especially in cases of domestic or intimate partner violence, there is often a lack of direct evidence. This has a massive impact on subsequent criminal proceedings.
Documentation as a chance for justice
A recurring theme of the evening was the structural problem of many criminal proceedings: Testimony against testimony.
Without medical evidence, proceedings are often dropped. According to the figures presented, around 70% of criminal charges are dropped, often due to a lack of evidence or low prospects of success. The prospect of a judgement is low in many cases.
The medical perspective made it clear that documentation is not optional, but essential. It can be decisive later on, even if those affected only decide to press charges months or years after the offence.
The process of preserving evidence
The preservation of medical evidence includes
- A structured protocol of the statement,
- medical documentation of injuries,
- the preservation of physical evidence.
All evidence is stored for up to ten years and remains traceable. Since 2025, the service has been a health insurance benefit with flat-rate remuneration. It is important to note that there is no traceability to the person concerned as long as no report is made.
Networked collaboration
GOBSIS does not work in isolation. The close cooperation between:
- Women's counselling centres
- women's shelters
- SKM
- Police and justice
- social institutions
This networking is crucial to ensure that victims are not left alone and to facilitate transitions between medical, psychosocial and legal support.
Legal perspective: The role of the victim
A lawyer specialising in victim protection explained the legal reality clearly and unembellished: In criminal proceedings, the state investigates the perpetrator. The victim is not formally a party, but evidence and witness. This makes complete documentation all the more important. Every detail counts, even seemingly small details can be decisive.
The protection and defence of those affected are at the heart of victim protection work, yet the system remains burdensome and difficult to access for many.
Conclusion
The information evening made it clear that confidential evidence collection is not an optional extra, but a question of human dignity. Victims of violence need time, security and options - without being forced to report.
GOBSIS closes a crucial gap between medical care and criminal prosecution. It creates room for manoeuvre in a situation in which those affected often feel they have little control. At the same time, it shows that the issue of violence is not an individual problem, but a structural one that requires interdisciplinary solutions.
Report by Michelle Pruszak
