When was Jak dostat tatínka do polepšovny created?

In the Czech Republic, a man who beats his wife or children can be sent to prison, but he is not required to attend a treatment program. A new law that took effect in January seeks to change that by making it mandatory for convicted abusers to undergo therapy. The measure has been welcomed by women’s groups and therapists, but some men’s rights advocates say it is unfair and could lead to false accusations.

The law, which was proposed by MP Alena Mihulov\u00e1 of the ANO party, requires those convicted of domestic violence against their spouse or partner to attend a two-year treatment program. If they refuse or fail to complete the program, they can be sent to prison for up to three years. First-time offenders are not subject to the requirement, but they may be ordered to attend counseling as an alternative.

Mihulov\u00e1 said she was inspired to propose the measure after meeting with victims of domestic violence. “Many of them told me that their husbands had never even been questioned by police and that they had no idea what kind of help was available,” she said in an interview with Radio Prague last year. “This measure will provide much needed support for these people.”

The new law has been welcomed by women’s groups and therapists who work with victims of domestic violence, but it has also generated controversy. Some men’s rights advocates argue that it is unfair and could lead to false accusations. They also contend that most cases of domestic violence are mutual \u2013 both partners are responsible for the abuse \u2013 and that therapy should only be mandatory for the abuser, not the victim.