European survey on gender-based violence (GBV) – results from Polish research

Abstract

This article was prepared on the basis of a nationwide victimization survey conducted in 2021-2023 by the Central Statistical Office. The Polish study, co-financed by EUROSTAT, was part of the European research on gender-based violence (GBV) and was carried out in 21 countries.
The actual study was preceded by multi-phase preparations, accompanied by, m.in others, working group meetings and specialist consultations. A pilot study was conducted in 2017-2019 to test research methods and tools. In some countries, it was decided to carry out a study on the general population, among women and men. In Poland, the actual study was carried out only on the female population. 5,247 respondents from all sixteen Polish provinces took part in the survey. According to the assumptions, the youngest person participating in the study was over 18 years old, while the oldest was 74 years old.
During the study, women were asked about their experiences related to
physical, sexual and psychological violence, including by a partner or other relatives, as well as cases of harassment and sexual harassment. In addition, the respondents were asked about their experiences of violence in childhood and about their knowledge of institutions providing assistance to people experiencing violence.
The answers show a significant prevalence of violence against women, in most cases not reported to the relevant institutions. Almost every fifth woman has experienced psychological violence from her partner (current or former), every ninth - physical violence, every twenty-eight - sexual.
Physical violence from people who are not partners was experienced by 7% of the respondents surveyed, and sexual violence – by 1%. To illustrate, it is worth noting that only 15% of women reported incidents to the police. In addition, one in 10 women has experienced harassment (stalking) and one in 8 has experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.