Online Scientific Conference "Domestic Violence in Poland. Between theory and practice" - 13 June 2025.

The Institute of Homeland Security and Criminology of the College of Vocational Training invites you to participate in a national scientific conference on the phenomenon of domestic violence. The event will take place in an online format on 13 June 2025. The conference provides a space for interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge, reflections and experiences between the world of science and practitioners working to prevent violence.

The aim of the conference is to analyse the issue of domestic violence from three perspectives: legal, criminological and practical. The organisers want to pay particular attention to the existing regulations, the effectiveness of protective procedures and the functioning of support systems. An important element of the event will also be the identification of legal gaps and institutional barriers that affect the effectiveness of actions taken against perpetrators and victims of domestic violence.

What topics will be covered at the meeting?

The event is aimed at representatives of academia, uniformed services officers, judicial staff, psychologists, educators, social workers, members of non-governmental organisations and all those interested in this topic. Participation in the conference is free of charge and each passive participant will receive a personal certificate of participation.

The event will consist of three thematic panels:

Panel I: Practice and institutional support:

• Social support system.
• Local interventions.
• Institutional cooperation.

Panel II: Criminology and data:

• Statistics and scale of the phenomenon.
• The role of law enforcement.
• Enforcement of protective measures.

Panel III: Scientific and legislative perspective:

• Regulatory analysis.
• Effectiveness of legal systems.
• The legislative gap and the need for change.

Didactic dimension of the conference

The conference also has a didactic dimension. Its aim is to inter alia. to disseminate knowledge on procedures related to counteracting violence, to develop the professional competences of participants and to shape their ability to evaluate the effectiveness of legal and institutional actions. The organisers also emphasise the development of interdisciplinary cooperation, enabling contacts to be made between representatives of the various professions and institutions involved in assistance activities.

The notification schedule is as follows:

• until 30.04 - submission of abstracts (active notification form).
• 15.05 - announcement of the conference programme with open access to the platform.
• until 10.06 - to apply for passive participation in the conference via the form available at here (passive application form).
• until 10.06 submission of conference papers and presentations.
• 13.06.2025 – Conference: "Domestic violence in Poland. Between theory and practice'.
• until 28.08 a post-conference publication in a book edition.

We encourage you to visit the website regularly conferenceawroclaw.plwhere all the most important news and answers to frequently asked questions will be published. This is the best source of organisational information - thanks to it, every participant will be up-to-date and properly prepared for the event.

The conference website will be regularly updated. Details of the programme, list of speakers, start times of individual panels, accompanying events, as well as technical and logistical issues will gradually appear there.

Strategic directions of development - meeting of the University authorities with academic staff of the Faculty of Social Sciences

Day 10 June 2025 at 16:00 on the platform Google Meet a three-hour meeting between the University's authorities and representatives of the academic staff of the Faculty of Social Sciences was held, attended by around 120 people. The event was of crucial importance for the future of the Faculty, providing not only a forum for the exchange of ideas but, above all, an opportunity to jointly define the strategic development directions - both in the areas of teaching and research activities.

Highlights of the meeting

During the discussion, key issues affecting the development of the Faculty were discussed:

• Modernisation of the teaching offeradapted to the changing needs of the labour market.
• Strengthening student activities, through the development of mentoring and scholarship programmes.
• Expanding international cooperation, enabling participation in global research projects.
• Use of modern technology, supporting innovative teaching and research methods.

Participants and speakers

The meeting started Managing Director, Dr Bartosz Blaszczak, who discussed organisational matters and the aims of the debate. The following spoke next Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr Irena Malinowska - continued the meeting, emphasising its unique nature as a space for sharing experiences, reflecting on the common academic mission and setting new directions for the university. In her speech, she also stressed the importance of the university's internationalisation, pointing to the active activities of the Centre for International Cooperation and the anticipation of the European Commission's decision on the Erasmus Charter, which will enable further cooperation with prestigious scientific centres around the world.

She also pointed out that the development of the university is based on scientific and publishing activities, encouraging the meeting participants to actively participate in conferences, workshops and the publication of articles in the university's journals.

At the end of the speech, the Dean thanked everyone for their contribution to the academic and scientific development of the University, emphasising that the commitment of the academic community is the foundation for the future of the Faculty. Later in the meeting, the following spoke:

• Acting Dean for Educational Quality, Dr Justyna Jasińska-Rudzka - study directions and teaching objectives;
• Vice-Dean for Student Affairs, Dr Aneta Kazanecka - perspectives on the development of student activities and academic support;
• Dean's Plenipotentiary for Cooperation with the Social and Economic Environment, Dr Wojciech Kazanecki - cooperation initiatives with the business sector and social organisations;
• Vice-Chancellor for Science and Development - development of scientific staff and raising research standards;
• Vice-Chancellor for International Relations - the internationalisation of the University and the development of foreign cooperation.

Development directions of the Institutes

During the meeting directors of scientific institutes presented their visions and development plans in key areas:

• Institute of Criminology and Homeland Security - Dr Janusz Bryk discussed strategies to strengthen crime research and modern methods of providing security.
• Law Institute - Dr Andrzej Chajbowicz presented plans to expand cooperation with legal institutions and innovative training courses.
• Institute of Psychology - Professor Artur Ziolkowski presented new areas of research in social and clinical psychology.
• Institute of Administration and Political Science - Dr Jan Znajdek discussed the development of public management studies and international politics.
• Institute of Management and Quality Sciences - Dr Marika Szymanska pointed to innovative approaches to managing organisations and improving service quality.
• Institute for Media and Social Communication - Professor Aleksander Woźny presented research directions on digital media and communication in the technological age.

Action on social responsibility and equality

The meeting also discussed relevant initiatives:

• Equality and anti-discrimination measures - The Rector's Plenipotentiary for Equal Treatment, Małgorzata Piórkowska, presented programmes supporting equal opportunities policies.
• Initiatives for people with disabilities - The Rector's Plenipotentiary for Persons with Disabilities, Dr Damian Wąsik, presented solutions to facilitate access to education.
• Organisational matters in the Office of the Dean - The Director of the Dean's Office, Magdalena Nogga, presented the current administrative announcements.

Summary and conclusions

The meeting was key moment in determining strategic orientations for the development of the Facultyand its participants unanimously stressed the need for further cooperation at academic and scientific level. The University authorities committed to:

• Research development, through increased funding and participation in international projects.
• Strengthening internationalisation, through academic exchange programmes and cooperation with foreign institutions.
• Increasing support for students, through new mentoring and scholarship initiatives.

We would like to thank all participants for their engagement, valuable discussions and inspiring ideas. Together we are building the future of the Faculty and the University as a wholemeeting the challenges of modern science and education!

National International Scientific Conference "Communication and Security in Crisis, Border and Difficult Situations"

On days 5-6 June 2025 the International Scientific Conference on Communication in Crisis and Border Situations was held in Wrocław. The event was organised by Institute of Media and Social Communication of the University of Vocational Training chaired by Prof. Aleksander Woźnyand the conference became a space for interdisciplinary exchanges, reflections and analyses of the mechanisms of conformity, socio-cultural barriers to otherness and the challenges of the aid professions in the face of extreme situations such as armed conflicts, natural disasters or epidemics.

Welcome and opening of the conference

The conference was officially opened on behalf of the University authorities by Dr Irena Malinowska, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław, emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue and the need to jointly seek effective solutions for communication in crisis situations.

Inspiring talks and debate

The event started film screening "Waiting for the sky", directed by Alina Mrowinska (2020). The show was held in Sense Factoryfollowed by a moving debate with the documentary's protagonist. dr. n. med. Paweł GrabowskiPresident of the Prophet Elijah Hospice Foundation. The discussion provided an important opportunity to reflect on communication in the face of difficult decisions and borderline situations.

Experts and speakers

The conference was attended by eminent specialists from various fields, as well as students. Speakers included:

• Prof. zw. dr hab. n. med. Andrzej Gładysz - specialist in infectious diseases; 
• Dr n. med. Pawel Grabowski - President of the Prophet Elijah Hospice Foundation;
• Prof. Dr. Aleksander Woźny - Director of the Institute of Media and Social Communication;
• Dr n. med. Krzysztof Szmyd - President of the Lower Silesian children's hospice "Formula of Good";
• Prof. Tomasz Pawłowski, MD, PhD - Head of the Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Disorders;
• Prof. Bozhidar Ivkov - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences;
• Monica Marinova - President of the Tarlov's Cyst Patients Association "Treatment Without Borders" (Bulgaria);
• Dr Oliwia Tarasewicz-Gryt - College of Vocational Training;
• Prof. Dr. Urszula Glensk - Institute of Journalism and Social Communication, University of Wrocław;
• Dr Tetiana Vlasevych - Ivan Franko National University of Lviv;
• Dr Michał Rydlewski - Institute of Journalism and Social Communication, University of Wrocław;
• Dr Jerzy Luty - College of Vocational Training;
• Dr n. vet. Wojciech Hildebrand - Vice President of the Council of the Lower Silesian Chamber of Veterinary Medicine;
• Aleksandra Keller, MA - President of the Kociniec Cat Orphanage Foundation.

Summary and conclusions

At the end of the conference, students and participants summarised the issues raised and pointed out the need to continue discussions and further research in the field of crisis communication. Due to the great interest and positive reception of the event, it was reported that a second edition of the conference will be organised to explore this important topic in even greater depth.

Experts from the Vocational Training College at the G2 Forum in Wrocław

Geopolitics, economy, innovation, energy and business are the main thematic areas of the sixth edition of the G2 Forum, which will take place on 12 June at Tarczynski Arena in Wrocław. The event will be attended by experts from the Higher School of Vocational Training - members of the Security Advisory Team: Maj Gen Jarosław Kaleta, Maj Gen Paweł Dzierżak, Maj Gen Artur Bielecki, Maj Gen Michał Otrębski and Dr Rafał Guzowski.

At the heart of the debate - safety, education and innovation

Experts from our University at the G2 Forum will focus on key aspects of national security - both in the defence and internal dimensions. The discussion will address the geopolitical challenges facing Poland and the need to develop effective strategies to secure the country against threats.

An important element of these strategies is the training of specialist staff. The College of Professional Education provides specialised educational programmes in national security, crisis management and modern technologies used in the uniformed services. Students learn to analyse risks, respond to emergencies and implement solutions to enhance public safety.

G2 Forum - a space for sharing knowledge and experience

The G2 Forum, under the theme 'Turning Points', will bring together nearly 200 speakers from different countries and sectors. The event will be divided into three thematic zones: geopolitics, economy and innovation and Space & Military Zone. Participants will have the opportunity to listen to speeches in the G2 Talks format and benefit from networking and exhibition zones.

A shared vision of development. Meeting of the University authorities with the academic staff of the Faculty of Social Sciences

Already 10 June 2025 at 16:00 a meeting will take place on the Google Meet platform, bringing together the University and Faculty of Social Sciences authorities with academics. This is an important moment to look to the future together.

On the agenda - key areas that shape the Faculty's identity and development strategies. Participants will look at, among other things:

• organisational and functional aspects;
• teaching and research plans;
• the development prospects of the student community;
• cooperation with the socio-economic environment;
• technological solutions and infrastructure facilities.

Who will be present?

The meeting will be attended by University and Faculty authorities, heads of institutes and those responsible for:

• cooperation with the socio-economic environment;
• graduation process;
• evaluation of scientific activities;
• administrative support for the teaching process.

It is not only a presentation of the areas of activitybut above all opportunity to talk, exchanging experiences and jointly building the quality of education and research.

"With the law on you, or practically about the law" - webinar with Dr. Damian Wąsik

On 17 June, as part of a series of workshops "With the law on you, or practically about the law" will be held a meeting entitled "On the need to respect patients' rights in the treatment process - the perspective of patients and medical professionals". The topic will be the importance of patients' rights as an inalienable element of human rights and the need to adapt them to the dynamic development of medicine. It will address the issue of preserving the subjectivity of patients and their autonomy in deciding whether to participate in medical procedures.

The operator, based on the applicable legislation, well-established court case law and his/her own professional experience will present how the basic rights of the patient are implemented, the consequences of their violation and the patients' entitlements. The following will also be discussed the limits of patients' rights and the related duties of doctors, nurses, midwives and paramedics.

Profile of the leader

Dr Damian Wąsik - Doctor of Laws, a long-standing academic lecturer and researcher. Former legal adviser employed in the health sector and court-appointed attorney in numerous cases concerning medical malpractice. Author, co-author, editor and co-editor of more than 200 scientific publications and popular science in the field of medical law and criminal law. Participant in more than 100 Polish and international scientific conferences devoted to legal and medical issues. Plenipotentiary of the Rector of the School of Vocational Training for Persons with Disabilities.

Webinar schedule

During the webinar, the presenter will answer the following questions:

1. How the catalogue of patient rights is formulated in the Polish legal system?
2. What the patient's right is to provide health services in a safe and efficient manner?
3. What information can the patient ask for in the course of treatment, who should provide it and how?
4. How medical confidentiality is shaping up in relation to the patient? What responsibilities do medical professionals have?
5. Is patient consent required in all cases for treatment? When, in what form and to whom should it be given? What are the consequences for medical staff for providing medical assistance without the patient's consent?
6. How the patient's right is shaping up to medical records?
7. What responsibilities do medical staff have in relation to the need to respect the patient's intimacy and dignity and to respect his private and family life during hospitalisation?
8. What is the issue of damage compensation for violation of patient rights?

Following the presentation, there will be time for questions from webinar participants and answers from the presenter.

The limits of freedom of expression in the spotlight. Conclusion of the glossary competition

Institute of Law of the University of Applied Sciences settled a competition for a glossary. The Competition Commission has completed the evaluation of the works analysing the Constitutional Court's judgment (ref. SK 54/13) -. concerning the limits of freedom of expression and offence to religious feelings. The level of content of the submitted analyses was very high, and the participants demonstrated an excellent knowledge of constitutional law, a feel for the issues of freedom of expression and the ability to argue in a factual manner.

Competition theme and objective

The theme of the competition was the Constitutional Court ruling of 6 October 2015. - concerning the case of singer Doda. The participants' task was to the preparation of a gloss, i.e. a legal commentary analysing the ruling in the context of human rights and constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.

Competition winners

• 1st place: Arkadiusz Morka - 83 points / 90 points
• 2nd place: Sebastian Binkowski - 81 points / 90 points
• 3rd place: Catherine Stobieca - 79 points / 90 points

Congratulations to the winners - The works of the prize-winners stood out for both their substantive depth and clarity of argument.

A student voice on an important issue. Competition committee and reflections

We would like to thank all participants for their commitment and the high level of work submitted. We are delighted that so many students in the College of Vocational Training undertook the analysis of the one of the most famous rulings of recent years.

The entries were judged by a Competition Committee consisting of:

• chairman of the commission - Dr Kamil Stępniak,
• deputy chairman of the commission - Dr Damian Wąsik,
• member of the commission - Dr Mirosław Dela,
• member of the commission - Dr Katarzyna Julia Kowalska,
• member of the commission - Dr Daniel Szalbot,
• member of the commission - Dr Natalia Wąsik.

See you in future editions of the competitions - let the voice of the students of our University resound boldly in the debate on human rights and the limits of freedom of expression.

 "Faces of Sadness. Depression in its various guises" - A masterful lecture that makes you think

Last Saturday, as part of a series of masterclasses, a meeting was held on one of the most serious mental health challenges - depression. The theme of the event was a lecture entitled 'Faces of sadness. Depression in its various facets'. The event was initiated by Professor Ryszard Poprawa, to whom we would like to thank him for his involvement in organising the lecture.

Expert perspective of Prof. Dr. Jan Chodkiewicz

The speaker was Professor Jan Chodkiewicz, Ph. - recognised clinical psychologist, certified psychotherapist and specialist in addiction psychotherapy, who has been combining academic work with psychotherapeutic practice for more than 30 years, helping people with addiction problems and their families.

Professor Chodkiewicz shared his extensive knowledge and clinical and scientific experience, focusing on the complexity of the phenomenon of depression.

The different faces of depression and their consequences

The topic of the meeting was not only classical depressionbut also its less obvious 'faces'. The lecture provided an introduction to the issue, presenting both the classic symptoms of (internalising) depression - such as disorders of mood, motivation, cognitive function or somatic complaints - as well as the various variants of this disorder, occurring in different age groups and situational contexts, such as depression in children and adolescents, the elderly, postnatal, seasonal or existential depression.

Male depression, comorbidity and counteracting stigma

Particular attention was paid to externalisation depression, also known as 'male depression'. Professor Chodkiewicz discussed the so-called 'male depression'. gender paradox - juxtaposing the higher suicide rate among men with the higher diagnosis of depression in women - and pointed to specific forms of expression of this variety of depression: impulsivity, aggression, substance abuse or escape into work.

During the lecture issues related to the co-occurrence of depression with other mental disorders were also addressed, the diagnosis of this disorder and the importance of education and anti-stigma in the context of helping people struggling with depression.

We would like to thank Professor Jan Chodkiewicz for an extremely valuable lecture and Professor Ryszard Poprawa for his initiative and organisational support. The event certainly contributed to the knowledge of the our academic community and open up space for further reflection on this important topic.

Don't ignore sadness. Learn the truth about depression - masterclass by Prof. Dr. Jan Chodkiewicz

You are cordially invited to a unique masterclass entitled 'Faces of sadness. Depression in its various facets", which will take place 7 June 2025 at 11:30 am w the 3D Hall of the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Wrocław. The lecture will be given by Mr. Professor Dr Jan Chodkiewicz - a prominent specialist in clinical psychology, psychotherapy and addiction psychology. 

The organiser of the event is the Institute of Psychology University of Vocational Training in Wrocław.

Depression - the disease of civilisation of our time

The modern world presents us with numerous challenges, and depression is becoming one of society's most pressing problems. This disease does not only affect individuals - affects entire societies, changing their functioning and psychological safety.

Depression can cause:

• psychosocial factors - chronic stress, low self-esteem, insecurity, low level of social skills;
• biological factors - hormonal disorders, genetic predisposition;
• sociological factors - difficult family situation, poor financial situation, alcohol abuse, violence.

The multifaceted nature of the causes means that depression remains one of the greatest health challenges of our time.

During the lecture Professor Jan Chodkiewicz will address the key issues of the, such as:

• Biological, psychological and social causes of depression;
• recognising the different facets of depression,
• specific problems associated with depression in men,
• effective methods of psychotherapy for people struggling with depression.

The presentation will not only provide an opportunity to expand knowledge, but also to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the disease and the social challenges of depression in a rapidly changing world.

Who are you, Professor Jan Chodkiewicz, Professor of the University of Łódź?

Professor Jan Chodkiewicz is a respected clinical psychologist, specialist in addiction psychotherapy and certified cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist. For almost 30 years, he has combined his scientific activity with his therapeutic practice, helping addicts and their families.

On a day-to-day basis, Mr Professor works with the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology at the Institute of Psychology, University of Łódź. His areas of expertise include:

• addiction psychology,
• the issue of depression in men,
• cognitive behavioural therapy.

The Professor's scientific output includes:

• Co-author and author of numerous books, including:
  • "Bouncing off the bottom? The role of quality of life in the course and outcome of treatment for alcohol dependence" (Łódź, 2012),
  • "Alcohol addiction. Faces of the problem" (Warsaw, 2020);
• More than 100 scientific articles and chapters in monographs;
• Participation in numerous research projects funded by PARPA, NCPU and NCBiR.

He is also an active member of numerous scientific organisations:

• Polish Psychological Association,
• Polish Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies,
• Polish Society for Research on Addictions,
• Section on Addictions of the Polish Psychiatric Association.

Why take part?

Masterclass by Prof. Dr. Jan Chodkiewicz entitled. "Faces of sadness. Depression in various guises" is an excellent opportunity to:

• broaden their knowledge of contemporary psychological issues;
• better understand the importance of mental health in everyday life;
• gain reliable information on effective forms of help for people in mental health crisis.

It is also a chance to meet an eminent scientist whose knowledge and experience inspire both practitioners and those interested in psychology. 

You are cordially invited to participate!

Thanks to the initiator of the master class project

Special thanks go to Mr Professor Dr Ryszard PoprawaHe is the originator of the entire master class project. It is thanks to his initiative and commitment that we can participate in extraordinary meetings with eminent representatives of the world of science, which broaden horizons, inspire and strengthen the academic identity of our University.

2nd WSKZ Conference 'Trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support' - an interdisciplinary approach to contemporary problems

The 2nd WSKZ Conference entitled "Trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support" brought together a group of eminent professionals from a variety of fields, including psychology, psychotherapy, social and medical sciences. The event aimed to explore the contemporary challenges of psychological support for people affected by trauma resulting from flooding, war and domestic violence. The conference provided a unique opportunity to exchange of knowledge and experience in the face of such pressing social problemsthat the modern world is facing.

Diversity of participants and conference themes

The conference was attended by around 100 participants, including representatives from academia, students and social service providers such as MOPS and crisis intervention units. Such a broad representation from different fields showed the importance of exchange of knowledge and experience between specialistswho work with people experiencing trauma on a daily basis.

22 hours of lectures and workshops - three main thematic blocks

The 22 hours of lectures and workshops, delivered by 18 experts, provided participants with practical tools for working with people affected by trauma. Presentations were given by academics and practitioners, which allowed the transfer of theoretical knowledge embedded in the realities of everyday work.

The event was divided into three main thematic areas: flood trauma, war trauma and domestic violence trauma. Each of these topics provided a space for in-depth reflection on the psychological and social aspects of trauma, as well as knowledge of the latest research in the field.

Pre-conference meeting of multiple perspectives

A great deal of interest was shown in pre-conference workshopswhich addressed the topics of body work in stress reduction, psychological first aid and contact with a person after sexual violence. Participants had the opportunity to acquire practical skillswhich they can use in their daily work.

The speakers represented various professional backgrounds, from clinical psychology to education to the uniformed services. This made the conference an excellent opportunity to exchanges of experience and the combination of theory and practice.

Gala dinner - establishing links and cooperation

After the first day of the conference a gala dinner was heldwhich became an informal but valuable moment for networking and further exchange of reflections and experiences between the event's participants.

Building bridges between science and practice

The conference "The trauma of floods, domestic violence and war - new challenges of psychological support" was not only an opportunity to learnbut also to build bridges between different disciplines. We would like to thank all participants and speakers for their active participation, as well as their commitment to development of scientific cooperation and practical.