Last updated 10 October 2009

Contributed by Xenia Kastsevich

In 2005-2007 the following amendments were made to the Law on preventing domestic violence:

• Introduction of a prohibition of child abuse;
• Introduction of an injunction to vacate the premises by a person suspected of the use of violence;
• Indication of places where the perpetrators can be directed;
• Provision of free-of-charge forensic examination;
• Extension of the definition of domestic violence to include economic violence;
• Introduction of the “Blue Card” procedure into the Law;
• Support for the prevention system at the level of commune governments and introduction of a statutory obligation of preparing and implementing local programs of combating domestic violence; and
• Adoption of a protective program related to the prevention of domestic violence.

The Law on the promotion of employment and labour market institutions 2004, with amendments in 2007

Prohibits discrimination on grounds of sex, age, disability, race, ethnic background, nationality, sexual orientation, political beliefs, religious creed and membership in a union and applies in particular to the following:

-         Employment agencies;

-         Information provided by an employer about a vacancy or a venue of professional training, which must not specify conditions discriminating against candidates;

-         Choice of candidates for trainings and re-trainings;

-         Vocational guidance counselling;

-         Criteria of issuing promises and work permits for foreigners; and

-          A fine (in the amount not lower than 3,000 PLN) for people running an employment agency who do not comply with the prohibition of discrimination.

According to the Act on aliens, there are provisions for the protection of foreign victims of human trafficking:

·        a foreign victim of human trafficking may be granted a visa or a residence permit for a limited period of time if the victim/witness decides to cooperate with law enforcement bodies;

·        accommodation in a safe facility under the care of a trained social worker;

·        basic medical care;

·        assistance of an interpreter;

·        assistance in contacts with law enforcement and judiciary officials;

·        arrangement of safe return to the country of origin.