Protection of Crime Victims in Poland: An Analysis of Key Stages of Its Evolution

Abstract

The article presents the development of crime victims’ rights in Poland over the past decades, focusing on the key stages of this process. After the political transformation in 1989, the protection of victims gained importance, leading to the gradual introduction of new support mechanisms. Some of the most important changes included mediation, restitution, and the expansion of victims’ procedural rights, allowing them greater participation in criminal proceedings and better opportunities to pursue their claims. International law, particularly regulations from the European Union and other international organisations, played a crucial role in this development by requiring Poland to adapt its system to global standards of victim protection. Despite progress, challenges remain in the practical implementation of these rights. The main difficulties include the effectiveness of the compensation system, protection against secondary victimisation, and access to professional support. The article examines these changes in the context of the growing importance of victims’ rights and emphasises the need for further improvements to the protection system, especially in response to emerging threats such as cybercrime and online violence.