It is widely acknowledged that the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a surge in incidents of domestic abuse, with women invariably bearing the brunt of the offences. Whilst we naturally focus on issues here in the UK it is clear that domestic abuse is a world-wide problem. In fact he UN has described the global increase in domestic abuse as a “shadow pandemic.”
Very often victims feel they are unable to escape their controlling abuser, who may deny them access to telephones, friends and family, or even the outside world. News has emerged of an attempt by a Polish high school student to provide an escape for abused women by offering them a means of making contact with the authorities. The 17 year-old, Krystyna Paszko, created a fake online shop selling cosmetics, so that an abuse victim could conceal their request for help by appearing to be shopping online. By asking to buy a specific type of cream the victim is put in direct touch with a support worker. Alternatively, they can place an order for the cream for delivery to their home address, thereby triggering a home visit by the authorities.
After initially speaking about her plan to friends on her Facebook page, Krystyna was overwhelmed with interest when her post was widely shared. She subsequently contacted the Women’s Rights Centre in Poland to ask for help with her plan, and since the launch of her website over 350 people have made contact. Predictably for a generation brought up using Facebook most victims who use the service are aged under 40, with 10% being male, often teenagers. Krystyna’s initiative has been recognized by the European Union and she received an award of €10,000 and one of two dozen Civil Solidarity Prizes, given for projects aimed at combating the consequences of Covid-19.
Domestic abuse receives less recognition in Poland than it does in the UK, with official police data appearing to show no increase in domestic violence cases in 2020. The Women’s Rights Centre claims that there are around 70,000 cases of domestic violence annually, of which fewer than 14,000 are actually treated as crimes. Last year the Polish government threatened to pull out of the Council of Europe Convention on combating domestic violence, claiming it “threatened the traditional family model.” Since November, however, new laws have enabled Polish police to expel abusers from the family home, although protection does not currently extend to outside areas such as schools or the workplace.
International Women’s Day falls on March 8th and is widely recognised around the world. Using the hashtag #ChoosetoChallenge, this year the day aims to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness against bias, and take action against inequality. It should also be an opportunity to remind people, particularly in male-dominated societies across the globe, that any abuse that goes on within the family home is unacceptable. It is up to every one of us to Choose to Challenge, and to do our bit to raise awareness of domestic abuse.
It can be stressful and complicated when relationships break down. Bretherton Law’s experienced Family and Child Law Solicitors have been helping people with changes in their circumstances for over 50 years. We are members of Resolution and Accredited in Family Law by the Law Society. For honest, sympathetic advice call Atifha Aftab on 01727 869293, or make an appointment via the contact form below.
