WEISSER RING: Online helpdesk starts

Germany’s largest support organization for victims of crime extends its service offer.

Victims of crime can now get online advice. The online helpdesk of WEISSER RING had officially started work on August 15th. Germany’s biggest support organization for victims of crime meets the increased demand for digital advice. “From now on people in need have an additional access to the extensive support services of WEISSER RING to get help, support and practical assistance nationwide”, says Bianca Biwer, Federal executive director.

A total of 17 new, especially trained support workers of WEISSER RING advise and assist victims of crime seeking help via e-mail. Together with the person concerned they develop solutions. A possible solution could be to inform about a local support worker nearby. The online advice is in writing, anonymous advice is also possible. This is guaranteed by an advice platform created solely for this purpose and an appropriate secure data connection.

“Not everyone who has fallen victim can openly and immediately talk about what has happened”, states Federal executive director Biwer. Often, that would be the case e. g. with victims of domestic and sexual violence. Here, the online helpdesk can provide relief. “People seeking help often regard the possibility to seek help anonymously and in writing more noncommittal and low-treshold instead of openly talking”, so Biwer. Getting in touch with the online advice of WEISSER RING is possible on the organisation’s website at any time (www.weisser-ring.de). At present contact requests are only possible in German. The online helpdesk is a complement to the organization’s service offering of the nationwide 420 local branches and the nationwide toll-free helpline number 116 006 with about 260 answered calls per week.