Domestic violence rife in Poland, research finds

Thirty eight percent of Poles know at least one family where physical violence occurs, and seven percent claimed to know of at least one family where sexual violence takes place, according to a survey carried out in November by research centre SMG KRC on behalf of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.

The survey indicates that 27 percent of respondents are reluctant to act against apparent abusers, for fear that the violence might be transferred onto themselves, while 17 percent felt that raising the matter would exacerbate the problem for the initial victim.

One in four of those surveyed feel that there is no obligation on neighbours or acquaintances to act when domestic violence is brought to their notice, believing that it is difficult to judge which party is in the right.

Forty three percent of those surveyed declared that interventions in family matters is only permissible when someone asks for help and 14 percent of third parties said there was no point in reporting such as case, as the victim would inevitably withdraw from legal action regardless.

Some 13 percent said that such abuse is a private family matter.

At the same time, 16 percent said that there are situations when violence is justified in the home.

Some 26 percent of Poles claim that they have been victims of physical violence. (nh/pg)

Source: PAP