We are there for you

We provide counselling and support for asylum seekers who need special assistance – for example after torture, gender‑based violence, human trafficking or forced prostitution. Our counselling is confidential, free of charge and independent from authorities.

About the service

The special legal counselling service is offered by Diakonisches Werk Heidelberg.
It is funded by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and by the State of Baden‑Württemberg.

We support people throughout the asylum procedure, identify special protection needs and ensure that these needs are taken into account.

Our counselling

We inform you about your rights and obligations in the asylum procedure, prepare you for the interview and support you in communicating with authorities.
If needed, we refer you to medical, psychological or social support services.
Counselling can take place in your language with qualified interpreters.

You decide what you want to share and which support you want to receive. All conversations remain confidential.

We are here for you if you…

• have experienced violence
• are dealing with physical or psychological stress
• are afraid of the asylum interview
• need support during the procedure
• are being threatened, controlled or exploited
• have been forced into something