2013 Woodstock 114 Zbigniew Lew-Starowicz

Zbigniew Kazimierz Lew-Starowicz (25 October 1943 – 13 September 2024) was a Polish psychiatrist and psychotherapist, expert in

sexology Sexology is the scientific study of human sexuality, including human sexual interests, Human sexual activity, behaviors, and functions. The term ''sexology'' does not generally refer to the non-scientific study of sexuality, such as social crit ...

and national consultant in this field, and professor of medical science. He worked at VIZJA University (then the University of Finance and Management in Warsaw). He was awarded the Knight's Cross (1997) and the Officer's Cross (2012) of the

Order of Polonia Restituta The Order of Polonia Restituta (, ) is a Polish state decoration, state Order (decoration), order established 4 February 1921. It is conferred on both military and civilians as well as on alien (law), foreigners for outstanding achievements in ...

. Lew-Starowicz died on 13 September 2024, aged 80.

Controversies

In 1982, Lew-Starowicz claimed that he was convinced that around 30% of rapes are provoked. In 1992, he posited that , and was quoted as saying that among the victims of rape were . This claim and similar claims blaming women for being raped were later widely criticised. Lew-Starowicz practiced

conversion therapy Conversion therapy is the pseudoscientific practice of attempting to change an individual's sexual orientation, romantic orientation, gender identity, or gender expression to align with heterosexual and cisgender norms. Methods that have ...

. In 2015, he apologized to the gay community for his involvement in administering electroshock therapy as a method of "curing" homosexuality. He was also criticised for his views on transgender issues. In 2009, Lew-Starowicz defended film director

Roman Polański Raymond Roman Thierry Polański (; born 18 August 1933) is a Polish and French filmmaker and actor. He is the recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, three British Academy Film Awards, ten César Awards, two Golden Globe ...

, arguing that he was not a

pedophile Pedophilia ( alternatively spelled paedophilia) is a psychiatric disorder in which an adult or older adolescent experiences a primary or exclusive sexual attraction to prepubescent children. Although girls typically begin the process of puber ...

, and claimed that the victim's mother was involved in the crime. This was in reference to the 1977 case where Polański pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Polański had drugged and raped a 13-year-old girl. During the proceedings, Polański's lawyer also attempted to shift blame onto the victim's mother.

References

1943 births 2024 deaths Polish sexologists Polish psychiatrists People from Sieradz Recipients of the Order of Polonia Restituta Academic staff of VIZJA University {{Poland-med-bio-stub