Data released by the Association of Intervention Centre Workers today reveals a concerning escalation in the number of people evicted from their homes due to domestic violence in the Czech Republic. Last year witnessed a stark increase of 181 individuals evicted, totaling 1,268 cases—the highest figure recorded since 2018.

The report also underscores the impact of domestic violence on families with children, with a notable uptick in the number of families seeking refuge in intervention centers. In 2023, the centers provided care to 677 families with children, marking a significant rise from the previous year’s count of 560. Shockingly, the number of children affected by domestic violence surged by 304, reaching 1,394 cases in 2023.

Police interventions to address domestic violence risk situations have also intensified, with 2,612 individuals identified as facing such threats last year. This figure includes 1,251 women, 1,180 children, and 181 men—a troubling increase across all categories compared to 2022.

Geographically, the South Moravia and Usti nad Labem regions, along with Prague, witnessed the highest frequency of police-led evictions, signaling a nationwide issue that demands urgent attention and comprehensive intervention strategies.

The eviction policy, implemented since 2007, empowers police to evict violent individuals from shared residences for a period of ten days as a preventive measure, irrespective of criminal charges. Despite this protective measure, the persistently high eviction rates underscore the pervasive nature of domestic violence in Czech society.

In response to this concerning trend, the Association initiated the Carousel of Violence campaign last November to raise awareness and address the root causes of domestic violence. Preliminary research findings indicate a troubling cycle of violence spanning generations, necessitating deeper societal conversations and proactive intervention measures.

The final results of the Association’s research will be unveiled during a press conference scheduled for February 21, shedding further light on the complex dynamics of domestic violence and informing evidence-based strategies to combat this pervasive social issue.

As the Czech Republic grapples with the distressing surge in domestic violence evictions, collaborative efforts between government agencies, intervention centers, and civil society organizations become imperative to safeguard vulnerable individuals and families, and foster a culture of respect, equality, and safety for all citizens.

Article by Prague Forum