COVID-19 Domestic Violence Country Updates: Poland
Tuesday, July 21, 2020 4:15 PM

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In Poland, domestic violence has experienced a spike during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, the Women’s Rights Centre (CPK) reported a 50% increase in calls reporting domestic violence. Despite an increase in calls reporting domestic violence to women’s rights organization helplines and to the Polish national emergency line, Blue Line, the Polish government has yet to acknowledge the surge in cases and provide support and resources to victims. Furthermore, reports say that Polish police are discouraging victims from reporting. In the meantime, response to the growing number of Polish domestic violence victims falls on non-governmental organizations. Feminoteka Foundation, the Women’s Rights Centre, and the Blue Line have joined forces to collectively create the “Emergency Plan” to support victims of domestic violence. The plan includes ways to access necessary resources, and a frequently updated map that provides female victims with safe spaces.