Hungary: Update to HUN31374.E on spousal abuse and state protection available to victims; legislation enacted since 1998 with regard to domestic violence; convictions under new legislation
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 3 April 2002 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | HUN38813.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Hungary: Update to HUN31374.E on spousal abuse and state protection available to victims; legislation enacted since 1998 with regard to domestic violence; convictions under new legislation, 3 April 2002, HUN38813.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3df4be3e8.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to a study on domestic violence in Hungary conducted by the Institute for Human Sciences, "domestic violence is a widespread phenomenon in Hungary which is addressed neither by any coherent or comprehensive public policy, nor by social or criminal justice policies" (2001, 2). The research paper further states that, due to lack of guidelines, police response is ineffective with regard to both the arrest of aggressors and the protection of victims (ibid., 11). The aggressor in cases of domestic violence can typically face either a fine or a suspended sentence (ibid., 16).
On domestic violence in Hungary, Country Reports 2001 concurs that the vast majority of cases are not reported because of the lack of assistance from the authorities (4 Mar. 2002, section 5). The report further states: "During the year, Parliament enacted legislation that prohibits domestic violence and establishes criminal penalties for those convicted of such acts" (ibid.).
No corroborating information on legislation enacted in 2001 could be found among sources consulted by the Research Directorate within time constraints.
According to the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights, spousal abuse is addressed in the Hungarian Penal Code within the general context of violence, but not as a separate offence (Women 2000, 205). Only 22.8 per cent of victims of domestic violence report the incident to the authorities, for fear of repercussions, the sanctity of their marriage, or police indifference (ibid., 206). Furthermore, police do not usually intervene unless injuries are life-threatening, as domestic violence is perceived as a "family affair" (ibid.).
There are shelters and a national hotline (which operates for three hours a day) available for victims of domestic violence (Country Reports 2001, section 5).
No information on convictions under domestic violence legislation could be found among sources consulted by the Research Directorate.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2001. 4 March 2002. United States Department of State. Washington, D.C.
International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights. 2000. Women 2000.
Institute for Human Sciences, Vienna. 2001. Krisztina Morvai. "'Why Doesn't She Just Leave?' Research-Based Policy Recommendations for the Prevention of and Response to Domestic Violence in Hungary." Proejct Paper No. 101
Additional Sources Consulted
IRB Databases.
Two oral sources did not provide information within time constraints.
Internet sites including:
Amnesty International
Human Rights Watch
International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights (IHF-HR)
MINCAVA – Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse
NaNE! Women Working With Women Against Violence.
ReliefWeb
UK Immigration and Nationality Directorate
UNIFEM
United Nations – Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
World Health Organization