Overview
- Lawmakers approved the bill on Thursday, October 15, 2026, extending legal rights to psychosocial process accompaniment and sending the measure to the Bundesrat before it can take effect.
- Children, adolescents and people with disabilities will receive psychosocial support ex officio so they no longer must apply, and adults will have a direct entitlement without proving special vulnerability.
- Victims of serious domestic violence gain rights to free psychosocial accompaniment and a right to free legal representation in qualifying cases.
- Investigative authorities and courts must notify possible beneficiaries about the support and the law raises pay for psychosocial companions to encourage nationwide availability.
- Experts welcomed the step but warned the law leaves open key questions on scope—notably exclusion of image-based sexual violence under §201a and the narrow meaning of 'grievous' domestic cases—and raised concerns about pay imbalances and strained court capacity; the statute includes a five-year review to assess impact.