Poland: Additional information to Response to Information Request POL15596.E of 1 November 1993 on the existence of protection and/or redress for women who are the victims of sexual violence
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 March 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | POL17008.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Poland: Additional information to Response to Information Request POL15596.E of 1 November 1993 on the existence of protection and/or redress for women who are the victims of sexual violence, 1 March 1994, POL17008.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ab4c4f.html [accessed 4 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to a representative of the East-West Women in New York, no Polish law specifically provides protection and/or redress for women who are the victims of sexual violence (25 Mar. 1993). However, victims of violence in general can seek legal redress provided in the criminal law for such victims to the extend that their cases fit within the jurisdiction of the law (ibid.). There is no law that deals specifically with protection of women (ibid.). The representative adds that limited private initiatives have been undertaken by small women's organizations which seek to offer assistance to women victims of sexual violence. These initiatives, which include a hot line for victims of sexual violence in Warsaw, are still insignificant, according to the representative (ibid.).
Superwomen and the Double Burden states that
There is no data available on the levels of domestic violence against women, and the Polish nation prides itself on male gallantry. Yet, considering even the ratio of male alcoholism in [this] country, one may expect that the level of battery is high. No shelters for abused or battered women are available. The women's families or more often their female neighbours, serve as one-night shelters for alcoholics' wives and children. Police intervene only in cases of serious injury (1992, 94).
The source adds that although there are some women's organizations, the women's movement is still weak (ibid., 94-5).
Referring to violence against women, Country Reports states that the Polish police "do intervene in cases of domestic violence, and husbands can be convicted for beating their wives. A first offender is put on probation; the penalty for a second offense is from 8 to 12 months in prison" (1994, 1001).
The three attached articles provide information on a number of issues, including the absence of laws protecting women from sexual harassment, the weakness of Polish women's organizations and discrimination against women in political, educational and professional fields.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Corrin, Chris, ed. Superwomen and the Double Burden. 1992. Toronto: Second Story Press.
Country Reports for Human Rights Practices for 1993. 1994. United States Department of State. Washington, DC: United States Government Printing Office.
East-West Women, New York. 25 March 1994. Telephone interview with representative.
Attachments
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 24 March 1992. "Political Organizations in Brief; Federation of Polish Women's Movements to be Set Up." (NEXIS)
Corrin, Chris, ed. Superwomen and the Double Burden. 1992. Toronto: Second Story Press, pp. 93-5.
Polish Press Agency. 30 November 1993. "Warsaw, Nov. 30: In His '100 Words' Commentary in 'Trybuna'." (NEXIS)
The Warsaw Voice. 20 March 1994. Joanna Krawczyk and Zycie Warszawy."What Kind of Women's Day?" (NEXIS)
