Poland: NGOs draw attention to violence against women
03/06/2004
Taken from report "Women in Poland 2003" produced by the Women's Rights Center in Poland.
From the beginning of the '90s, significant changes began to occur in the area of violence against women in Poland. This issue is better highlighted in the media. More and more programs and NGOs dealing with this issue have been set up, although issue of VAW is still hidden in a shadow of secrecy and prejudice. The legal system and activities of law enforcement agencies combating violence against women are still ineffective -- police officers often treat domestic violence as private matter and are reluctant to prosecute perpetrators.
In August, the government adopted the National Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women 2003-2005 and pledged to introduce legislation ensuring effective protection of women and children who are subjected to violence.
Most important issues regarding VAW in Poland are: domestic violence, rape and prostitution and trafficking of women.
· Domestic violence
Although there are no comprehensive statistics concerning domestic violence, the problem is believed to be serious, widespread and affecting women from all backgrounds. According to Public Opinion Research Center data, one in eight women polled in 2002 stated that they had been beaten by their partners. According to 2002 research, 43% of women and 31% of men polled know at least one women who had been beaten by their husband. There are insufficient places where women could seek refuge or assistance.
· Rape
There are no also comprehensive statistics concerning rape in Poland. Most women are reportedly raped by men they know. Marital rapes are widespread, but many women do not consider that they have a right to refuse sexual intercourse with their husband. Survivors of rape have problems getting justice. Court cases on rape are usually very long and often lead to victimisation of raped women. Policemen, prosecutors and judges very often hold the women responsible for rape, asserting that it was provoked by their own behaviour (i.e. dress, lifestyle before rape, etc.).
· Trafficking of women
Organized crime plays a key role in trafficking. Women are usually recruited by attractive job offers in Western Europe and then kidnapped and forced to work as prostitutes. The Polish government does not pay sufficient attention to trafficking of women. This issue is highlighted in the media as a result of efforts undertaken by NGOs. NGOs also organize assistance for survivors of trafficking. Link
03/06/2004
Taken from report "Women in Poland 2003" produced by the Women's Rights Center in Poland.
From the beginning of the '90s, significant changes began to occur in the area of violence against women in Poland. This issue is better highlighted in the media. More and more programs and NGOs dealing with this issue have been set up, although issue of VAW is still hidden in a shadow of secrecy and prejudice. The legal system and activities of law enforcement agencies combating violence against women are still ineffective -- police officers often treat domestic violence as private matter and are reluctant to prosecute perpetrators.
In August, the government adopted the National Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women 2003-2005 and pledged to introduce legislation ensuring effective protection of women and children who are subjected to violence.
Most important issues regarding VAW in Poland are: domestic violence, rape and prostitution and trafficking of women.
· Domestic violence
Although there are no comprehensive statistics concerning domestic violence, the problem is believed to be serious, widespread and affecting women from all backgrounds. According to Public Opinion Research Center data, one in eight women polled in 2002 stated that they had been beaten by their partners. According to 2002 research, 43% of women and 31% of men polled know at least one women who had been beaten by their husband. There are insufficient places where women could seek refuge or assistance.
· Rape
There are no also comprehensive statistics concerning rape in Poland. Most women are reportedly raped by men they know. Marital rapes are widespread, but many women do not consider that they have a right to refuse sexual intercourse with their husband. Survivors of rape have problems getting justice. Court cases on rape are usually very long and often lead to victimisation of raped women. Policemen, prosecutors and judges very often hold the women responsible for rape, asserting that it was provoked by their own behaviour (i.e. dress, lifestyle before rape, etc.).
· Trafficking of women
Organized crime plays a key role in trafficking. Women are usually recruited by attractive job offers in Western Europe and then kidnapped and forced to work as prostitutes. The Polish government does not pay sufficient attention to trafficking of women. This issue is highlighted in the media as a result of efforts undertaken by NGOs. NGOs also organize assistance for survivors of trafficking. Link
posted by BEING HAD at 4:51 AM
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