Poland’s current rape law – which dates back to 1932 – deems it a crime only if there was force, unlawful threats or deception.
rape
Silent march in Warsaw for woman who died after being raped in street
The case has prompted shock and anger, including over the fact that people witnessed the attack but failed to intervene.
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Poland introduces tougher new rules on domestic violence
The new legislation broadens the definition of domestic violence and expands measures to support victims and deal with perpetrators.
Doubts and disputes emerge over disabled rape victim reportedly refused abortion in Poland
The health minister called the case a “colossal manipulation calculated to evoke emotions” but the victim’s aunt accuses him of “lying”.
Disabled 14-year-old rape victim refused abortion in Poland by hospitals in her province
A health ministry spokesman has confirmed that local hospitals failed to comply with the rules
The legal definition of rape in Poland needs to change – but so do cultural attitudes
Magdalena Grzyb
The burden is on rape victims to prove they demonstrated resistance to the act, and many perpetrators escape justice.
Man wrongly imprisoned for 18 years wins Poland’s highest ever compensation payout
Tomasz Komenda served almost two decades for a rape and murder he did not commit.
Polish opposition party wants lack of consent added to legal definition of rape
The current law defines an act as rape only if there is force, unlawful threats or deception
Polish court rules 14-year-old girl was not raped “because she did not scream”
Critics say the ruling is illustrative of wider failings in how rape is defined and dealt with in Poland’s justice system.
After priest convicted for raping minor, response of archbishop questioned
The accused priest was moved from parish to parish by the Archbishop of Gdańsk without explanation.
Rape survivors hold fashion show in clothes they were wearing during assaults
The event was a response to claims that the way women dress can provoke sexual violence.
Polański complains he has been “lynched half my life” over sex abuse case
The Polish-French director claims that he, his victim and her mother “have atoned for this matter”.
