A 20-year-old man was indicted by the Nowy Targ District Court for attempting to sexually assault a minor and another attack in late 2024, facing up to life imprisonment.
Indictment Following Attack in Rabce-Zdroj
On Thursday (August 28), Justyna Rataj-Mykietyn, spokesperson for the Nowy Sącz Regional Prosecutor’s Office, informed Polish Press Agency that an indictment was submitted to the Nowy Sącz District Court against 20-year-old Filip W. The accused will be tried for two charges: an attack on a minor under 15 years old on February 12, 2025, in Rabce-Zdroj, during which he attempted to commit rape, and an incident on November 28, 2024, also in Rabce-Zdroj, where Filip W. attacked a teenager, knocked her to the ground, and strangled her with his hand. The minor sustained no serious injuries. The police arrested the accused after the February attack, aided by surveillance footage.
Filip W. Did Not Admit Guilt
During the investigation, the 20-year-old perpetrator did not admit to the alleged crimes. After his arrest, the Nowy Targ District Court applied legal measures, including a 50,000 zł bail and police supervision. The prosecution appealed this decision, and the Regional Court ruled for temporary detention of Filip W. “The alleged crimes carry a prison sentence of at least five years or life imprisonment,” stated the prosecution.
Attack on Minor in Rabce-Zdroj
On February 12 this year, in the early morning, a teenager was attacked in Rabce-Zdroj. Filip W. allegedly lunged at a 13-year-old girl while she was walking to school, beating her and attempting to rape her. Her friend, who heard her screams, rushed to help. The perpetrator fled but was arrested by police that evening. The police identified him through surveillance footage. Filip W. was charged with attempted rape of a minor, a crime punishable by up to life imprisonment. He did not admit guilt, as reported by police from Nowy Sącz shortly after his arrest. The teenager was hospitalized, but her life was not in danger.
Help in Cases of Sexual Violence
Sexual violence includes any unwanted sexual contact. According to UNICEF data, around 15 million teenagers aged 15–19 have experienced such violence globally, but only 1 percent seek help from professionals. Studies show that 80 percent of sexual assault survivors develop PTSD. If you are a victim of sexual violence, you can seek assistance by calling the “Blue Line” Child Helpline at 22 668 70 00 (daily 8–20) or the 24/7 emergency number of the Center for Women’s Rights at 600 070 717.
Source: Gazeta, Polish Press Agency (PAP), UNICEF, Center for Women’s Rights (Centrum Praw Kobiet)
