Author/Authors :
Kożybska , Marta Subdepartment of Medical Law - Department of Social Medicine - Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland , Giezek , Marta Subdepartment of Social Medicine and Public Health - Department of Social Medicine - Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland , Zabielska, Paulina Subdepartment of Social Medicine and Public Health - Department of Social Medicine - Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland , Masna, Barbara Centre for People with Special Needs in Szczecin, ul. Tartaczna Szczecin, Poland , Ciechowicz, Jacek Municipal Family Support Center in Szczecin, ul. Sikorskiego Szczecin, Poland , Paszkiewicz , Monika Subdepartment of Social Medicine and Public Health - Department of Social Medicine - Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland , Kotwas , Artur Subdepartment of Social Medicine and Public Health - Department of Social Medicine - Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland , Karakiewicz, Beata Subdepartment of Social Medicine and Public Health - Department of Social Medicine - Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland
Abstract :
Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the co-occurrence of adult and child abuse
based on the reports collected from the Polish police and social welfare institutions.
Methods: The study involved data concerning 468 households in Szczecin (Poland) inhabited by
children where acts of violence between adults took place. The presented data refer to the years
2012-2103. The data came from so called Blue Card files, i.e. documents issued by the police
and social workers in cases of domestic abuse, providing information about its forms,
perpetrators, and victims.
Results: Domestic violence usually occurs between spouses and cohabitees (78%). The
perpetrator was usually a man (88%). Violence usually lasted from 1 up to 3 years (30.0%). The
most common forms of physical abuse against adults and children included pushing (79.5% of
adults, 22.4% of children) and hitting (64.7% of adults, 16.6% of children), and psychologically
abusive behaviors were mostly insults (91.9% of adults, 27.5% of children) and criticism (79.1%
of adults, 21.5% of children). This work has shown that the longer the psychological abuse
between adults lasts, the greater probability is that it will also be used against children. Child
abuse is also associated with putting up resistance to the police by perpetrators.
Conclusions: Summing up, in households where violence between adults is observed, actions
should be taken to prevent violence against children.
