Council of Europe publishes report on Poland's compliance with Istanbul Convention
01:38
The Council of Europe Expert Group on Counteracting Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) has published the first report on Poland's compliance with the Istanbul Convention. Experts note good solutions, but point out the negligence of the authorities in the fight against violence against women.
The document applauds recently introduced emergency laws that allow law enforcement to temporarily evict perpetrators of domestic violence from their home country and the Blue Card procedure which provides support and protection to victims of domestic violence.
The report also praises the case law on stalking, introduced in 2011.
On the other hand, according to GREVIO experts, steps must be taken to stop sexual violence, rape, and sexual harassment, starting by redefining rape. Poland should align this definition with the requirements of conventions that deviate from the definition based on force. Of the 17 countries monitored by GREVIO, only three use a purely non-consent definition of the crime of sexual violence – these are Belgium, Malta, and Sweden.
Currently, the Polish definition of rape emphasizes the need to object to unwanted sexual behavior.
"Without a new definition of rape, prosecutors will make decisions against prosecution when the sexual act is indisputable, but at the same time consent to the act is not indisputable," GREVIO explained.
Meanwhile, Poland may even denounce the Istanbul Convention. The Sejm is working on the citizens' bill on this matter.
