Lublin launches violence prevention conference
On 2 October Lublin held a city conference on Lublin violence prevention, uniting crisis services, police, courts and schools to improve support pathways.
On 2 October, the city of Lublin hosted a high-profile meeting to improve responses to abuse and harm. The Lublin violence prevention conference gathered crisis teams, police, courts and social services to map better help for victims.
Lublin violence prevention: who attended and why it matters
Organisers included the Centrum Interwencji Kryzysowej in Lublin and the City Office’s Department of Health and Prevention. Attendees represented the Municipal Family Assistance Centre (Miejski Ośrodek Pomocy Rodzinie), Police, Municipal Guard, the District Court and District Prosecutor’s Office. Teachers, health providers and frontline staff who work daily with families in crisis also joined.
Anna Augustyniak, Deputy Mayor for Social Affairs, opened the conference. She stressed that institutional cooperation remains essential. She also warned that fear and lack of knowledge keep many victims silent. Her message to residents was clear: reporting abuse can be a first step to a better life.
What professionals discussed and the push for a joined-up system
Speakers focused on building a network that prevents victims from being shuffled between offices. Agnieszka Zielińska-Bucior, director of the Crisis Intervention Centre, explained that violence appears in many forms. She named street violence, peer abuse at school, cyberbullying and hidden domestic abuse as different challenges requiring varied responses.
Panelists examined links between addictions and abusive behaviour, highlighting how alcohol and drugs can destabilise families. They also addressed cyberviolence and online hate, recalling the city campaign #LublinNieHejtu against hate speech aimed at young people. One panel, titled “Wspólnie tworzymy bezpieczną przestrzeń,” gathered courts, police, social services and education leaders to seek clearer referral routes.
Practical outcomes and long-term goals
The conference emphasised multi-agency teams that include psychologists, pedagogues, therapists and social workers. Crisis centres can provide temporary shelter when victims cannot stay in their homes. Participants agreed that no single institution can solve these problems alone. They called for faster coordination so victims know exactly where to turn.
For expats, the conference shows the city’s active role in victim care. It also underlines that seeking help normally starts with municipal services or the police. Learning local referral paths reduces delays and confusion when someone needs fast support.
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