Domestic Violence in Poland: Legal Procedures and Protection

Domestic violence in Poland means a single or repeated intentional act or omission that exploits a physical, psychological or economic advantage and violates the rights or personal interests of a family member or another person covered by the statutory definition. It may cause danger to life or health, harm dignity, restrict liberty, interfere with sexual autonomy, or cause physical, psychological or economic damage. The legal definition is set out in the Act of 29 July 2005 on Counteracting Domestic Violence.[1]

Domestic violence may occur between spouses, former spouses, partners, parents and children, relatives, persons sharing a household, and other persons who remain or have remained in a close relationship. A formal marriage or common registered address is not always required. The factual relationship and circumstances of the case matter.

Domestic abuse law in Poland: civil, criminal and administrative protection

Domestic abuse law provides several parallel forms of protection. Depending on the facts, conduct may lead to criminal proceedings, an emergency police protection order, a Blue Card procedure, family court proceedings, or civil measures concerning accommodation and contact with children.

The most commonly applied criminal provision is Article 207 of the Polish Criminal Code. It penalises physical or psychological abuse of a person closest to the perpetrator, a minor, a person vulnerable because of age, mental or physical condition, or a person remaining in a permanent or temporary relationship of dependence on the perpetrator.[2]

Article 207 does not cover every family conflict. Criminal liability depends on evidence of abusive conduct, its intensity, repetition, consequences and the relationship between the parties. A single incident may nevertheless constitute another offence, including bodily harm, criminal threats, coercion, stalking, rape, sexual assault, unlawful deprivation of liberty or damage to property.

How to report domestic violence in Poland

A person facing immediate danger should call 112. Police officers may intervene at the home, secure evidence, identify witnesses and assess whether emergency isolation measures are necessary.

A report of a suspected offence may be made to the Police or the public prosecutor. It can be submitted orally for the record or in writing. In serious cases, medical documentation, photographs of injuries, screenshots of messages, recordings, witness details and prior intervention records may be relevant evidence. Evidence should be collected lawfully and preserved in its original form where possible.

Professionals who encounter suspected domestic violence, including healthcare staff, teachers and social welfare employees, may also take action under the domestic violence prevention framework. Reporting does not automatically mean that the suspected perpetrator will be convicted. The prosecution must establish the facts to the criminal standard required by law.

Blue Card procedure: support and risk assessment

The Blue Card procedure is a non-criminal procedure intended to identify domestic violence, assess risk and coordinate support. It may be initiated by, among others, the Police, social welfare institutions, education authorities, healthcare professionals and municipal alcohol problem commissions.[1][3]

A victim does not need to submit a formal criminal complaint for the Blue Card procedure to begin. The procedure may be initiated when there is a reasonable suspicion that domestic violence has occurred. Its purpose is not to determine criminal guilt, but to organise protection and assistance.

What happens during the Blue Card procedure?

• the authorised professional completes the Blue Card documentation;
• the affected person receives information on available assistance and legal rights;
• an interdisciplinary team or diagnostic-consultative group assesses the situation;
• an individual support and protection plan may be prepared;
• relevant authorities may be notified if the circumstances indicate a criminal offence or a threat to a child’s welfare.

The Blue Card procedure can be important evidence of prior interventions and risk indicators, but it does not itself replace criminal proceedings or a court protection order.

Protection order and immediate removal from the home

Polish law allows the Police or the Military Police to issue immediate orders and prohibitions against a person creating a threat to the life or health of a person affected by domestic violence. These may include an order to leave the jointly occupied home and its immediate surroundings, as well as prohibitions on approaching the home, contacting the protected person or approaching the protected person.[4]

These emergency measures are generally effective for 14 days. The protected person may apply to the civil court for an extension of protection. The court may order the alleged perpetrator to leave the shared dwelling and prohibit approaching or contacting the affected person. Such applications are examined under special expedited rules in the Code of Civil Procedure.[5]

In criminal proceedings, the prosecutor or court may also apply preventive measures. Depending on the case, these may include police supervision, a prohibition on contacting specified persons, a prohibition on approaching them, an order to leave shared premises, or pre-trial detention. The appropriate measure depends on the risk of reoffending, obstruction of justice or flight.

Protection of children and business-related consequences

Where children are exposed to domestic violence, the authorities may involve the family court. Exposure to violence between adults can itself affect a child’s welfare, even where the child is not directly assaulted. Decisions on parental authority, contact arrangements and residence may be taken separately from criminal proceedings.

Domestic violence allegations can also affect employment, professional licences, management roles and the ability to travel or perform duties. For employers, the key issues may include workplace safety, harassment allegations, protection of confidential information, reputational risk and the need to react lawfully without prejudging criminal responsibility.

Both affected persons and accused persons should avoid public accusations, retaliatory contact, deletion of messages or attempts to influence witnesses. These actions may worsen the legal position and complicate evidence assessment.

Legal support in domestic violence cases

Domestic violence cases often involve parallel procedures and urgent decisions. Legal assistance may be needed to assess criminal allegations, prepare evidence, challenge an unjustified protection measure, apply for protection, or coordinate actions before the Police, prosecutor, family court and civil court.

Kopeć & Zaborowski (KKZ) provides representation in criminal matters, including cases involving allegations of abuse, threats, coercion and offences against sexual freedom. Information about the scope of assistance is available on the criminal defense page. Related guidance is available on domestic violence procedures and victims’ rights, as well as legal rights and protection for the accused.

This is informational material, not legal advice. The available legal measures depend on the evidence, current risk and the procedural stage of the case.

Where a domestic violence case includes allegations of sexual offences or other criminal conduct, it may be appropriate to consult the matter with a lawyer and discuss possible next steps. Early assessment can help identify urgent protection, evidence-preservation and procedural issues.

FAQ – Domestic Violence in Poland

What is considered domestic violence in Poland?

It includes conduct or omissions in a close or household relationship that violate rights or personal interests, including physical, psychological, sexual or economic abuse. The legal assessment always depends on the facts of the case.

Can the Police remove an abusive person from the home?

Yes. If there is a threat to life or health, the Police may issue an immediate order to leave the shared home and related prohibitions, including restrictions on contact or approaching the protected person.[4]

How long does an emergency police protection order last?

Police or Military Police orders and prohibitions are generally effective for 14 days. A civil court application may be filed to seek continued protection.[4][5]

Is a Blue Card the same as a criminal case?

No. The Blue Card procedure is a support and risk-assessment mechanism. It may lead to notification of law enforcement authorities, but it does not determine criminal guilt.

Does a victim need visible injuries to report domestic violence?

No. Psychological abuse, threats, coercive conduct, economic abuse and other forms of violence may be reported even without visible injuries. Messages, witness accounts, medical records and intervention history may be relevant.

Can domestic violence affect child custody or contact?

Yes. The family court may consider violence when deciding on parental authority, a child’s residence and contact arrangements. The child’s welfare is the primary consideration.

Bibliography

1. Act of 29 July 2005 on Counteracting Domestic Violence, consolidated text: Journal of Laws of 2024, item 1673.
2. Act of 6 June 1997 – Criminal Code, consolidated text: Journal of Laws of 2025, item 383, Article 207.
3. Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 6 September 2023 on the “Blue Cards” procedure and “Blue Card” forms, Journal of Laws of 2023, item 1870.
4. Act of 6 April 1990 on the Police, consolidated text: Journal of Laws of 2024, item 145, provisions concerning immediate orders and prohibitions in domestic violence cases.
5. Act of 17 November 1964 – Code of Civil Procedure, Articles 560¹-560¹².