Costs of domestic violence: „The report allowed us to see how many gaps and deficiencies there are”

NIK raises alarm about ineffective system of protection against violence TVN24

The projected financial impact of domestic violence on victims and their families is as high as PLN 188,000, according to the report titled „(In)visible costs of domestic violence in Poland,” created by the Warsaw School of Economics and the Blue Line Institute of Health Psychology. However, the report’s authors stress that „the financial burden of the system aimed at combating violence in Poland is significantly underestimated.”

The Warsaw School of Economics (SGH) alongside the Blue Line Institute of Health Psychology has initiated an analysis of the economic implications linked to domestic violence in Poland.

What are the financial implications of violence?

As stated in the report „(In)visible costs of domestic violence in Poland,” the estimated „financial consequences of domestic violence for individuals and their families within a two-year period following the report of violence to external bodies may range from approximately PLN 17,000 (lower estimate) to about PLN 188,000 (upper estimate).” These amounts encompass both public and private expenditures.

It was clarified that „depending on the severity and duration of the violence experienced, these costs may extend over a longer timeframe, often lasting for the entirety of the individual’s life.”

„The (In)visible Costs of Domestic Violence in Poland” Shutterstock

„When discussing the financial implications of violence, it is crucial to highlight the extensive and enduring nature of its effects on both the victims and the minor witnesses. Growing up in a violent household often disrupts a child’s development on multiple levels, leading to further long-term repercussions,” the report states.

– This report aims to ignite a conversation regarding the necessary changes in the state’s approach to preventing domestic violence – notes Izabela Grabowska, an assistant professor at the Warsaw School of Economics, while presenting the findings of the analysis.

The consequences of domestic violence are extensive and long-lasting TVN24

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„The report revealed numerous gaps and deficiencies”

The authors of the report highlight that „the costs associated with the operation of the system designed to combat violence in Poland are underestimated,” as stated in the document. They further elaborate that these costs pertain to „varied domains and can be viewed from two angles: systemic and individual life course. On a macro scale, these costs include expenditures related to the Blue Card procedure, as well as those incurred by the healthcare system, social security/cash benefits, the judicial system, and labor market support. On a micro scale, these expenses primarily relate to the necessity for psychological, psychiatric, and legal assistance, in addition to housing challenges and potential barriers to finding or retaining employment,” the report authors clarified.

Domestic violence Police

– The report has made it evident how many gaps and deficiencies exist – states Maja Kuźmic, director of the Blue Line Institute of Health Psychology. – Even the process of requesting data from individual ministries uncovered significant discrepancies in how this data is collected. It was also quite challenging to obtain – she adds.

Number of Blue Card procedures initiated

The report’s authors convey that „the primary source of information regarding the scale of domestic violence in Poland is the count of initiated Blue Card procedures. Research indicates that 90% of individuals affected by domestic violence who sought assistance from any service, institution, or organization were included in this procedure at some point.”

The Blue Card procedure is designed to halt violence and is initiated by completing a form. This can be done by various professionals, including police officers, social workers, teachers, doctors, psychologists, or therapists. However, the forms are only available in paper format.

” In 2023, there were 54,000 Blue Card procedures initiated. The majority of individuals experiencing violence were women (51.6 thousand), 17,000 were minors subjected to violence, and the smallest group consisted of men, with fewer than 9.2 thousand,” the analysis indicated.

Domestic violence in Poland. What is the reality? tvn24

The authors „acknowledge the low rate of violence reporting, suggesting that these figures likely do not accurately represent the extent of domestic violence in Poland.” – Violence

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