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Sexual abuse is treated in Poland as a serious criminal matter. If you or someone close to you has experienced sexual violence - including rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual acts with a minor, or sexual harassment that involves coercion or abuse of power - criminal law and a range of public institutions can become involved. In Kolbuszowa the same national laws and procedures apply as in the rest of Poland - complaints are usually handled by the local police and prosecutor's office, medical professionals can provide forensic and health care, and social services and non-governmental organizations can offer support. If you are seeking legal advice, a local lawyer who understands criminal procedure, victim rights and available protection measures can help you navigate reporting, evidence preservation, court proceedings and civil remedies.
You may need a lawyer if you want to report an assault to the police and want assistance before or during the process. A lawyer can help you prepare a formal accusation, explain your rights as a victim, and represent you during police interviews and court hearings.
If the case proceeds to criminal prosecution, a lawyer can assist in communicating with the prosecutor, applying for protective measures - such as restraining orders - and making sure your interests are presented at trial.
Lawyers can also help if you want to pursue civil remedies - for example, damages for physical or psychological harm, loss of earnings, or costs of therapy. They can advise about burdens of proof, time limits and the best way to document your claim.
If the survivor is a child or a person with limited capacity, a lawyer can help interact with child-protection services, family courts and social workers to secure safety and appropriate care.
Finally, a lawyer can help preserve privacy - requesting closed hearings or restricting publication of personal data - and advise on interactions with the media or employers.
Sexual offenses in Poland are primarily governed by the national Penal Code - Kodeks karny - and handled through the criminal justice system. Key legal aspects to be aware of include the following.
Categories of offenses - The law covers a range of sexual crimes, including rape and sexual assault that involve coercion or violence, sexual acts with persons below the statutory age of consent, sexual exploitation, and other indecent acts. Sexual activity with someone under the statutory age of consent is treated very seriously regardless of claimed consent.
Age of consent - Poland sets a statutory age of consent. Sexual activity with a person below that age is a criminal offense. If the survivor is a minor the case often triggers additional protective and investigative measures.
Prosecution and reporting - Cases are usually investigated by police and prosecuted by the public prosecutor's office. You can report a crime at the local police station. In many cases the prosecutor will decide whether to bring charges; victims may also initiate private prosecution in certain situations, though this is a complex area where legal help is useful.
Protective measures - Courts can issue orders that restrict contact between the accused and the victim - for example restraining orders and prohibitions on approaching the victim. Police and local authorities have powers to take immediate steps to protect victims and to record incidents in social protection procedures used in Poland for domestic violence cases.
Evidence and medical examinations - Early medical examination helps document injuries and preserve forensic evidence. Hospitals and forensic units can perform examinations and collect biological proof. Preserving evidence - clothing, messages, photos and medical records - is important to any investigation or civil claim.
Child protection - Allegations involving children generally involve social services and may trigger special investigative procedures. Professionals who work with children commonly have duties to act if they suspect abuse.
Statute of limitations and sentencing - Time limits for bringing criminal charges and the possible punishments vary according to the severity of the offense. Serious sexual crimes carry heavier penalties and longer limitation periods. A lawyer can advise on applicable deadlines and likely sentencing ranges in specific cases.
Victim rights - Victims have rights to information, protection, and support during proceedings. Public institutions and some NGOs provide psychological help, legal advice and social support.
You can report sexual abuse to the local police station or to the public prosecutor's office. If you are in immediate danger call emergency services. You can also seek medical attention first to document injuries and preserve evidence. A lawyer or a victim support organization can assist you with making the report and understanding each step that follows.
No. You can seek medical care, emergency shelter, counseling and support from NGOs and social services without reporting to police right away. However, if you may wish to pursue criminal charges or compensation later, timely medical examination and evidence preservation are important. Speak with a trusted professional or lawyer to understand the trade-offs.
Police will typically take a statement, investigate, and forward the file to the prosecutor. The prosecutor decides whether to press charges. The process can include forensic examinations, witness interviews and court proceedings. Victims are entitled to information about progress and to certain protections during the process.
Anonymous reporting options can exist for initial alerts to some organizations, but formal criminal proceedings normally require identification and statements. If you are concerned about safety or privacy, discuss protective measures with police, social services and a lawyer before making a formal report.
Cases are evaluated on the totality of evidence - testimony, medical records, forensic results, witness statements and other material. Lack of immediate physical evidence does not automatically mean a complaint will be dismissed. A lawyer can help gather and preserve relevant evidence and prepare the strongest possible presentation of your case.
Yes. In addition to criminal prosecution, victims can seek civil remedies such as compensation for physical injuries, psychological harm, therapy costs and loss of income. Civil claims have different standards of proof and procedures, so legal advice is important to plan timing and documentation.
The court can issue protective measures - for example ordering the abuser to stay away from you, prohibiting contact, or assigning temporary eviction from shared housing. Police can also take immediate steps in urgent situations. If you fear for your safety, ask the police about urgent protection and consult a lawyer about longer-term court orders.
If the survivor is a child, immediately contact child-protection services, the police or the prosecutor. Medical care and forensic examination may be necessary. Social services and specialized NGOs can provide support and help coordinate care. A lawyer experienced in cases involving minors can advise on legal steps and represent the child’s interests in court.
Duration varies widely - from months to years - depending on case complexity, evidence collection and court workload. Some early protective measures and interim decisions can be obtained faster. A lawyer can help set realistic expectations and push for timely handling where possible.
You can seek a private criminal law attorney experienced in sexual violence cases, contact municipal free legal aid offices for initial advice, or reach out to local NGOs offering legal support to victims. When choosing counsel, look for experience with criminal procedure, victim rights, protective measures and civil claims related to sexual abuse.
Local police station - for immediate reporting and protection measures. If you are in danger, contact emergency services right away.
Public prosecutor's office - responsible for criminal prosecutions and for keeping victims informed about the case.
Local social services - county or municipal social welfare departments can help with shelter, counseling and coordination of care.
Hospitals and forensic medical units - for medical care and evidence collection following an assault.
Free legal aid offices - the state provides free legal assistance points in many municipalities for initial legal advice and guidance.
Non-governmental organizations that assist sexual violence survivors - organizations focused on women's rights, child protection and victim support can provide counseling, legal guidance and practical help. Examples of types of NGOs to seek: centers for victims of sexual violence, foundations working with children, and national hotlines or counseling centers.
Victim support services - psychological and social support providers who can help with recovery planning, crisis intervention and navigating institutions.
1. Ensure immediate safety - if you are in danger, find a safe place and contact emergency services or trusted people who can help.
2. Seek medical care - get examined even if injuries seem minor; medical records and forensic evidence can be important later.
3. Preserve evidence - keep clothing, messages and any physical evidence in a safe place and note dates and details of events while memories are fresh.
4. Consider reporting - contact the local police or prosecutor's office to make a formal report when you are ready. A lawyer or support organization can accompany you.
5. Contact legal help - seek a lawyer experienced in sexual abuse cases or visit a free legal aid point for initial guidance on criminal and civil options.
6. Use support services - reach out to social services, victim support organizations and counseling services for emotional, medical and practical assistance.
7. Keep records - maintain copies of medical reports, police reports, correspondence with institutions, and any expenses for therapy or care.
If you are unsure where to start, visit your nearest police station or municipal office and ask about victim support and free legal aid - they can point you to immediate resources in Kolbuszowa. A qualified local lawyer or an experienced support organization can help you decide the best path forward based on your situation and priorities.
