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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence is taken seriously in Poland, including in Kolbuszowa. Polish law recognises violence within families and intimate relationships as criminal conduct and as a social problem that requires coordinated intervention by police, courts, social services and non-governmental organisations. Victims can seek both criminal protection and civil or family remedies. Local institutions in Kolbuszowa - such as the police, the municipal social welfare office and county authorities - apply national legal instruments while offering immediate support, documentation and referral to shelters or specialist services.
Legal help is important in many domestic violence situations because rights, responsibilities and remedies can be complex. A lawyer can help you understand criminal procedures, assist with filing complaints or charges, represent you in court hearings on protection orders, family law matters such as divorce, custody and maintenance, and advise on civil remedies including compensation. Lawyers can also guide you through interactions with police, prosecutors and social services, protect your procedural rights, help preserve and present evidence and secure urgent protective measures when your safety or the safety of your children is at risk.
Key legal sources that apply in Kolbuszowa include national criminal law, family law and a law focused on domestic violence. Important elements you should know:
- Criminal law - acts such as physical assault, threats, sexual violence, stalking and unlawful deprivation of liberty are offences under the Kodeks karny. Police and prosecutors can initiate criminal proceedings and courts can impose penalties if the perpetrator is convicted.
- The Act on Counteracting Domestic Violence - "Ustawa o przeciwdziałaniu przemocy w rodzinie" sets out procedures for documenting domestic violence, coordinating support and implementing therapeutic and social measures for families. It also establishes instruments for local authorities and social workers to assess risk and organise assistance.
- Blue Card procedure - the so-called Niebieska Karta is an administrative and investigative mechanism used by police, social workers and health professionals to record incidents, assess risk and trigger support measures. It is widely used across Poland, including local services in Kolbuszowa.
- Family and guardianship law - the Kodeks rodzinny i opiekuńczy and family courts handle issues such as custody, visitation, guardianship and protective measures for children. Courts can order temporary measures to protect children and victims during family law proceedings.
- Protective measures - courts and prosecutors can seek or impose temporary measures such as bans on approaching or contacting the victim. Police can take immediate steps to separate parties at the scene and can refer cases to prosecutors for urgent protection requests.
If you are in immediate danger call the emergency number - 112 - or contact local police. Try to get to a safe place. If possible preserve evidence by taking photos, saving messages and obtaining medical records. If you cannot safely call, seek help from neighbours, a trusted person or local services.
Yes. When you report domestic violence police will register the report and, where appropriate, start an investigation. Police officers in Poland use the Niebieska Karta procedure to document incidents and to refer victims to social services. Police can also use immediate measures at the scene to protect you and can pass the case to the prosecutor for criminal action.
Yes. Courts can issue orders that prohibit the perpetrator from approaching, contacting or staying in specific places. Prosecutors can seek urgent measures during criminal proceedings. A lawyer can help you apply for such orders and explain how they work in parallel with criminal or family proceedings.
No. Police and social services can provide immediate protection and support even if you do not wish to press criminal charges. For some serious offences prosecutors may act ex officio, which means the case proceeds even without a private complaint. However, criminal prosecution often involves the victim as a key witness and legal guidance is useful.
Evidence that supports your account includes medical records and doctor statements, photos of injuries, messages or emails, voice recordings, witness statements, police reports and any expert reports. Keep a written record of incidents with dates and details. A lawyer can advise on collecting and preserving evidence in a way that will be useful to court.
Yes. Poland operates a system of free legal aid - Nieodpłatna Pomoc Prawna and Nieodpłatne Poradnictwo Obywatelskie - provided by local authorities, usually at points organised by the county or municipality. These services can give initial legal advice and help you with documents. For complex cases you may need a private lawyer or to seek qualified representation through victim support services.
Child protection is a priority. Social services, schools and health professionals can intervene to protect children. Family courts can order temporary custody arrangements, supervised contact or other protective measures. If children are at immediate risk contact police or the municipal social welfare office. The Rzecznik Praw Dziecka and child protection authorities can also be involved in serious cases.
Yes. Protection under criminal and family law applies regardless of gender or sexual orientation. All victims have the right to assistance, protection and legal remedies. Local services and NGOs provide inclusive support, though availability of specialised services may vary locally.
Victims can seek civil remedies such as injunctions, claims for compensation for bodily harm or emotional harm, and family law remedies including divorce, alimony or changes to custody arrangements. Civil proceedings run separately from criminal trials and a lawyer can advise on which route suits your goals.
In many cases victims can express a wish not to pursue charges, but for serious offences prosecutors may continue proceedings independently. Even if you prefer not to testify, police and prosecutors may still need your cooperation to secure evidence. Speak with a lawyer or victim support worker about the implications of withdrawing statements and about your safety if you consider reconciliation.
Below are types of local and national institutions that can help someone in Kolbuszowa who needs legal advice or support for domestic violence:
- Local police - Komenda Powiatowa Policji in Kolbuszowa for immediate protection and reporting.
- Prosecutor's office - for criminal investigation and pressing charges.
- Municipal and county social welfare offices - Gminny Ośrodek Pomocy Społecznej or Powiatowe Centrum Pomocy Rodzinie for social assistance, shelter referrals and casework.
- Free legal aid points - Nieodpłatna Pomoc Prawna organised by local authorities to provide initial legal advice and document assistance.
- Shelters and crisis centres - publicly or NGO-run facilities in the region offer emergency accommodation and counselling.
- National institutions - Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich and Rzecznik Praw Dziecka for systemic complaints or rights protection.
- Non-governmental organisations - national and regional NGOs specialising in domestic violence support, counselling and legal assistance, as well as faith-based organisations and charities that operate locally.
If you need legal assistance or protection, consider the following practical steps:
- If you are in immediate danger call 112 or local police.
- Seek medical attention and ask for documentation of injuries.
- Report the incident to police and ask for a written record. Ask whether the Niebieska Karta procedure has been started.
- Preserve and collect evidence - photos, messages, emails, witness names, medical notes and any police reports.
- Contact the municipal or county social welfare office for emergency assistance, shelter options and social support.
- Visit a free legal aid point in Kolbuszowa for an initial consultation to learn about criminal and civil options.
- If possible, consult a specialised lawyer experienced in domestic violence and family law to represent you in court and to apply for protective measures.
- Consider coordinating with local NGOs that provide counselling, accompaniment to police or court, and practical support during the process.
Getting help is a process - you do not have to handle it alone. Legal advice can clarify your options, secure urgent protections and connect you with services that prioritise your safety and the safety of your children.
