WEISSER RING e.V.
The
The WEISSER RING - Help and Support for Crime Victims
editThe WEISSER RING is the largest and most significant aid organization for victims of crime in Germany. Founded on September 24, 1976, by television journalist Eduard Zimmermann and others, the association is based in Mainz and is represented throughout Germany with around 400 branches in 18 state associations.
Mission and Values
editThe main mission of the WEISSER RING is victim support and crime prevention. The association is committed to supporting and protecting crime victims and their families. The values of the association are based on personal care, human support, attention, and empathy. The WEISSER RING enables those affected to make the right decisions for them based on accurate information and without fear of costs, thereby gaining new strength and courage to live[2][3].
Services and Assistance
editThe WEISSER RING offers a variety of assistance services provided by volunteer and professionally trained victim helpers. The main services include:
- Personal care and human support after a crime
- Accompaniment to appointments with the police, public prosecutor's office, court, or other authorities
- General assistance in dealing with authorities
- Referral to assistance from other organizations
- Financial aid in the form of assistance vouchers for legal, psychotraumatological, or forensic initial consultations
- Financial support to bridge crisis situations caused by the crime[1][2][3].
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editA central goal of the WEISSER RING is crime prevention. The association works to strengthen the sense of security in society and to set sustainable impulses for victim-oriented prevention. This includes public actions and campaigns to raise awareness of the situation of victims among the general population. The WEISSER RING is also a founding member of Victim Support Europe (VSE), a coalition of 74 member organizations from 35 countries, to strengthen victim protection across borders and to exchange knowledge and experience[2][3].
Funding and Structure
editThe WEISSER RING is funded through membership fees, donations, legacies, and allocations from fines. It does not accept public grants. The association has about 40,000 members and around 3,000 volunteers working in various branches. The federal management is led by Bianca Biwer, and the federal chairman has been Patrick Liesching since September 2022[1][2][4].
Prominent Support and International Networking
editThe WEISSER RING is supported by prominent personalities, including actors, television hosts, and other public figures. This support helps to raise awareness of the situation of victims and to promote the work of the association. Through international networking with Victim Support Europe, the WEISSER RING works to strengthen victim protection beyond national borders[2][3].
The WEISSER RING is an indispensable part of the social network in Germany, selflessly and professionally committed to supporting crime victims and their families. Through its comprehensive services and initiatives, the association makes an important contribution to strengthening the sense of security and promoting the victim perspective in society.