EN
The article presents the problem of child abuse, which was only noticed by Polish social policy as late as in 1990s.The authoresses try to define child abuse and describe its various forms. Using statistical and empirical data on the scope of child abuse in Poland, they focus on physical violence - including corporal punishments (eg. in the family) and sexual molestation, as well as violence between children themselves. Also, laws concerning the child abuse and various policy programs designated to prevent it are of concern for the authoresses.