'One in three' Polish women subjected to male violence, claims research

Photo: Glowimages

The data outlined by Professor Beata Gruszczynska from the University of Warsaw covers crimes committed by women's partners, as well as offences by other men, be they a relative, a friend or a complete stranger.

Cases of physical violence often have a sexual dimension according to Gruszczynska, who claims that a Polish woman falls victim to male violence every 40 seconds, and that there are 800,000 instances of such crimes per year.

The conference, entitled 'Help for female victims of violence' was organised by the Blue Line National Helpline for Victims of Domestic Violence.

Renata Durda, head of Blue Line, said that victims often do not receive adequate treatment from authorities.

“There are many pitfalls for our clients who look for assistance from law enforcement agencies,” she claimed, as cited by the Polish Press Agency (PAP).

Durda noted that victims are often not believed, or get blamed for the violence, being asked such questions as “What did you do to make your husband beat you?”

Deputy Attorney General Marzena Kozlowska echoed the sentiments of many other participants in the conference by noting that a general shift in attitudes towards domestic violence is necessary in Poland.

Kozlowska added that institutions need to work in harmony for progress to be made.

“This system will not work if we all - the courts, prosecutors, police, social services, and so on – do adhere to regulations correctly,” she said. (nh)