Download This PaperResponding to Anti-LGBT Hate Crimes in Poland: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?
Godzisz, Piotr and Giacomo Viggiani, eds. 2018. Running Through Hurdles: Obstacles in the Access to Justice for Victims of Anti-LGBTI Hate Crimes in Europe. Warsaw: Lambda Warsaw.
23 Pages Posted: 18 Dec 2018
Date Written: 2018
Abstract
• Hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity are not recognized in Polish law. The fact that sexual orientation and gender identity are not recognized as protected grounds in the Criminal Code affects the understanding of hate crime, reporting of cases, collection of data, and provision of support to victims.
• Numerous understandings of hate crime exist in Poland. This leads to confusion as to what constitutes hate crime and which victim categories should be included.
• Victims of anti-LGBT hate crimes face multiple obstacles in accessing justice. Many rights stemming from the Directive 2012/29/EU are not respected.
• Only a small fraction of anti-LGBT hate crime cases is reported. Police and prosecutors are rarely trained in recognizing anti-LGBT hate crimes, which leads to under recording.
• Publicly-funded victim support services do not address the needs of anti-LGBT hate crime victims. Specialized services offered by LGBT NGOs are often limited.
Keywords: Hate crime, Poland, LGBT
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