While violations are soaring in Europe, figures are decreasing in Poland

Official figures on rapes and other sexual offenses in Europe reveal a complex landscape with sharp contrasts between countries.  England and Wales, Germany, and France show a marked increase in the number of reported cases.

Meanwhile, Polandkeeps a downward trend, marking a difference that coincides with its more restrictive and conservative policies since the mid-2000s.

In England and Wales, police statistics reflect a jump from 8,593 reported rapes in 2000 to 68,109 in 2023, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Statista figures confirm this trend, indicating 68,949 cases for the same year.

In Germany, the increase is also significant: from 8,133 rapes and other sexual offenses in 2000 to 39,029 in 2023, according to reports from the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA). The upward trend began after the 2016 legal reforms, which broadened the definition of the crime, but not even this tightening of regulations has managed to contain the growth.

France shows an even sharper increase: from 7,500 estimated cases in 2000to 42,400 in 2023, a figure that, according to the Ministry of the Interior, includes a broader range of sexual offenses.

In contrast, Poland shows a reduction: from 2,399 cases in 2000 to 1,127 in 2023, according to police statistics. This sustained decline has occurred under right-wing governments that, since 2005, have promoted more conservative policies regarding security and justice. Unlike its European counterparts, Poland has also not adopted policies of mass migratory openness.

While countries such as Germany, France, and England have relaxed their borders in recent decades, favoring the arrival of large numbers of immigrants and refugees, the Polish government has maintained much stricter control, prioritizing internal security and public order.

The contrast highlights an uncomfortable reality for Western Europe's progressive governments, which despite having created new ministries and legislation"for the protection of victims", have not managed to halt the advance of these crimes.

In contrast, Poland, under a different political agenda, shows opposite results that invite a reconsideration of the European approach to security, justice, and migration.