Rapes occurred in two towns in recent months – Kliczków and Nowogrodziec. Information about the rape in Kliczków appeared on our portal four days after the incident. We received the information from readers. At the time, neither the police nor the prosecutor’s office wanted to provide any information. The matter was quickly closed at the request of the victim’s relatives. We did not write about the second attack, which took place in Nowogrodziec, because nobody informed us about it. We now know that it did happen.

After the first matter was closed, a female reader called the editorial office, asking whether the situation was serious and whether she should take any special precautions. She said that she also had a daughter and was simply afraid for her safety.

Almost a month after the incident, the prosecutor distributed a facial composite of the rapist. The information received more than eight thousand views, and many theories appeared on the forum, including false reports of further attacks. We decided to speak with the deputy District Prosecutor in Bolesławiec, Regina Haniszewska, who issued the following statement:

“Apart from the two cases involving attacks on minors in Kliczków and Nowogrodziec, no other proceedings concerning rape or attacks are being conducted. Proceedings in the above-mentioned case are ongoing, and for the sake of the case, detailed information concerning the circumstances of the incident and the suspected and injured persons will not be disclosed.”

We asked why providing information about such a crime meets with such resistance from law-enforcement authorities.

“First of all,” Haniszewska said, “for the sake of the case, we cannot provide too much information. We must protect the victim, but also prevent the perpetrator from learning what stage the investigation is at. Protecting the victim is truly very important. Even her approximate personal details must not be disclosed carelessly. There is a known case, unrelated to this matter, in which a man convicted of rape psychologically harasses his victim. On Internet forums, he writes with impunity that the raped woman was responsible for the attack because she behaved provocatively. The rapists’ parents joined in the campaign against the victim.

According to the spokesperson for the Bolesławiec County Police Headquarters, reports of rape or attempted rape are rare. Over three years, only isolated cases of rape were officially recorded. Most often, these involved situations in which a woman trusted a little-known man and left a party with him after alcohol had been consumed. In only one case did the rapist attack a woman walking alone in a remote area.

According to the police spokesperson, the recent attacks differ from the patterns described above. It is presumed that the attacker was an outsider, completely unknown to the victims.

There is no proven way to avoid rape, but a number of behaviours may help prevent dangerous situations. Here is advice from experienced police officers:

  • Do not make acquaintances over the Internet or arrange to meet unknown people in this way.
  • Avoid isolated places.
  • Do not return from a nightclub or another party alone or with people you have only just met.
  • Do not hitchhike; it is better to call a taxi.
  • When travelling by public transport, always sit in a group of several people or near the driver (conductor). It is better not to travel in an empty train compartment.
  • Do not accept refreshments or drinks from strangers. Watch the bartender while drinks are being prepared. Remember that date-rape drugs exist.
  • Do not consume large amounts of alcohol that would prevent you from remaining in control of the situation.
  • Do not provoke a potential rapist through your behaviour.
  • Do not be receptive to verbal sexual propositions.
  • Children should avoid places such as parks and wooded roads and should walk in groups, even when returning from school. Parents should know where their child is going, what time they will return and which route they will take.

The police should be informed about men behaving suspiciously who observe the surroundings of schools, parks or other places where children spend time. A rapist often observes a potential victim. In small communities, it is easier to notice strangers and notify the Police.

A major problem is that women often do not report rape. They do not want to go through the ordeal again and talk about it during interrogations and in the courtroom. Society also often judges the victim more harshly than the perpetrator, accusing the woman of provoking the aggressor. If a rape has occurred, it is best for the victim to report it to the police, who know how to properly secure physical evidence. If it is not possible to reach a police station, she should call, and officers will come to the victim.

When an attack occurs, it is advisable to scream loudly. It does not matter what or how. This may distract the rapist and cause help to arrive. A raped person must not wash or change clothes before the police collect evidence. It is extremely difficult to behave so rationally after rape. The victim’s first thought is to hide and wash the rapist’s dirt off herself. The victim needs help from loved ones to reach the police. One should consider that if the law-enforcement authorities are not notified, the rapist will attack other women with impunity. Once the harm has been done, everything possible must be done to stop it as effectively as possible.

(information by Grażyna Hanaf; material prepared with the assistance of junior aspirant Adriana Szajwaj, press officer of the Bolesławiec County Police Headquarters)