PROFESSOR MARIA MOULIN-STOŻEK AWARDED NATIONAL SCIENCE CENTRE RESEARCH GRANT FOR CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH

Professor Maria Moulin-Stożek, Department of Law and Economics, has been awarded the MINIATURA 9 research grant from the National Science Centre. Her research project, ‘Strategies for supporting victims of domestic abuse in the justice system’, challenges the traditional construction of legal systems that presume resolving disputes between equal parties. In the context of domestic violence, such an approach structurally disadvantages the more vulnerable party, discourages victims from seeking legal recourse, and fortifies the cycle of abuse.

The research project will analyse existing legislation to identify examples of barriers at both national and supranational levels to propose policy and legal reforms to effectively improve the situation of victims in the reactive and distant legal system. It will point out potential best practices and evidence-based interventions to support the development of a more proactive, relationship-building justice system that reduces opportunities for perpetrators to prolong the control and abuse. 

Drawing on empirical data, the research will formulate legal strategies that address the specific barriers encountered by victims of domestic violence in their interactions with the justice system. Particular attention will be given to the creation of safe, accessible, and welcoming spaces that respond to victims’ needs while fostering trust in legal institutions.