In the period 2005–2018, an average of 65,000 divorces were granted in Poland annually; in recent years approximately one in every three marriages has ended in divorce. This means that divorcees are an ever-growing social group, something that is confirmed by empirical research. Two thirds of adult Poles (67%) are in contact with at least one person who is divorced.

The majority of those in contact with someone divorced say that this is an acquaintance or a neighbour (64%). For almost three fifths this is a close friend (57%) or distant relative (58%), while for two fifths (40%) this is someone from their closest family (parents, siblings or children) or the close family of their partner or spouse (37%). One in nine of those in contact with someone divorced (11%) is divorced themselves, and one in fourteen (7%) says that their current partner has been divorced.

In terms of the whole group surveyed, it is fair to say that over two fifths of adult Poles will have come across a divorcee among their acquaintances or neighbours (42%), and not many fewer among their more distant relatives (38%) or close friends (38%). About a quarter have someone divorced in their immediate family (27%), or the family of their partner or spouse (24%). Every twelfth Polish adult admits to being divorced themselves (8%), and 4% are in a relationship with a divorcee.

More on this subject in the CBOS report.