Best Domestic Violence Lawyers in Marijampolė

About Domestic Violence Law in Marijampolė, Republic of Lithuania

Domestic violence in Marijampolė and throughout the Republic of Lithuania is treated as a matter of public safety and criminal law, not a private dispute. The law recognizes physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse within the family or household as serious violations. Police have a duty to respond to reports, ensure immediate protection for victims, and begin a pre-trial investigation when there are signs of a criminal act. Courts can impose protective measures that restrict the aggressor and prioritize the safety of victims and children. Specialized Assistance Centers provide confidential support, safety planning, and coordination with authorities. Victims can also access state guaranteed legal aid and in some cases state compensation for damage caused by violent crimes.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer to request urgent protective measures, to communicate with police and prosecutors, and to make sure your rights as a victim are respected throughout a criminal case. Legal help is often critical when violence intersects with divorce, child custody, child support, or property issues. A lawyer can help you document abuse, prepare for court hearings, and pursue compensation for medical costs and other losses. If you are a foreign citizen, a lawyer can explain how criminal proceedings may affect residence permits and your right to services. If you are accused of domestic violence, a defense lawyer can advise you about your rights, pre-trial measures, contact bans, and the consequences of violating a court order. Prompt legal advice can reduce risk, prevent procedural mistakes, and improve outcomes.

Local Laws Overview

Lithuania’s Law on Protection Against Domestic Violence establishes a coordinated response that involves police, prosecutors, courts, health care providers, child protection authorities, and Specialized Assistance Centers. Domestic violence is a basis for immediate intervention. When police receive a report, they assess risk, separate the parties, and can impose immediate short-term protective measures. These measures can include ordering the alleged aggressor to leave the shared home, prohibiting contact or approach, and seizing weapons. Violations of such measures can lead to detention and criminal liability.

Criminal offenses commonly charged in domestic violence cases include causing bodily harm or physical pain, unlawful threats, stalking or harassment, coercion, and sexual offenses. Investigations are conducted by police under the supervision of the prosecutor. Cases are public prosecutions, which means authorities can proceed even if the victim does not file or later withdraws a complaint. Medical professionals and other institutions may have mandatory reporting duties when they suspect abuse. If children are affected or at risk, the State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service can intervene and courts can impose supervised contact or other safeguards.

Courts in or serving Marijampolė can issue protective orders and impose conditions on the aggressor, such as living separately, not approaching or contacting the victim, attending behavior change programs, or surrendering weapons. Protective measures can be issued urgently and later extended or modified at a court hearing. Victims have rights to information, to protection from intimidation, to participate in proceedings, and to have a representative. State guaranteed legal aid can provide a lawyer free of charge or at reduced cost for eligible persons, including many victims of domestic violence. Victims of violent crimes may also apply for state compensation for certain losses under the law on compensation for damage caused by violent crimes.

Marijampolė has access to Specialized Assistance Centers that provide confidential support, safety planning, and help with paperwork. Police coordinate with these centers so that a counselor can contact the victim soon after an incident. In an emergency, call 112. Health care providers can document injuries, which can be important evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as domestic violence in Lithuania

Domestic violence includes physical abuse such as hitting or strangling, psychological abuse such as threats, intimidation, or coercive control, sexual abuse, and economic abuse such as controlling access to money or basic necessities. It applies to spouses, former spouses, partners, former partners, family members, and other persons who share or previously shared a household. A pattern of behavior that harms a person’s physical or mental health or restricts freedom can qualify even without visible injuries.

Who can report and how do I start

Anyone can report suspected domestic violence. In an emergency call 112. You can also report at any police station or through a health care provider. Police will register the report, assess risk, and may begin a pre-trial investigation. You can seek help directly from a Specialized Assistance Center in the Marijampolė region, which can guide you through safety planning and contacting authorities.

What happens after I call 112 in Marijampolė

Police will respond, separate the parties, provide first aid or call medical services if needed, assess risk, and take statements. If there are grounds, they can impose immediate short-term protective measures, confiscate weapons, and detain the aggressor. Police inform a Specialized Assistance Center so that a counselor can contact you to offer support. A pre-trial investigation may be started and the prosecutor will oversee the case.

Will the aggressor be removed from the home

Yes, if risk is identified, police can order the aggressor to leave the shared dwelling immediately for a short period. A court can then extend or modify this measure to protect your safety. The intent of the law is that victims should not be forced to flee their homes when the aggressor can be removed.

How quickly can I get protection and how long can it last

Immediate protection can be imposed by police on the spot. Courts can issue protective orders quickly, often on an urgent basis, and these can be extended following a hearing. The specific duration depends on risk, the stage of proceedings, and court decisions. Orders can include no contact, no approach, and separate living requirements.

Do I have to press charges and can I withdraw

Domestic violence cases are prosecuted by the state. Authorities can start and continue a case even if the victim does not file a complaint or later asks to withdraw. Your wishes are considered, but the decision belongs to the prosecutor and the court, with safety as the priority.

What evidence should I collect and how do medical records help

Evidence can include medical records, photographs of injuries or damaged property, recordings of threatening messages, witness names, and a diary of incidents with dates and details. Seek medical attention and ask for documentation, even for minor injuries or symptoms such as anxiety or sleep disturbance. Do not delete messages or emails. A lawyer can help you gather and present evidence in a way the court accepts.

What if a protective order is violated

Call 112 immediately. Violating a court order or police imposed measure can lead to arrest, new criminal charges, and stricter conditions. Keep a record of each violation, including times, messages, and witnesses. Inform your lawyer and the prosecutor promptly.

How can domestic violence affect child custody and contact

Civil courts must consider domestic violence when determining parental authority, residence of the child, and contact arrangements. The court can order supervised contact, suspend contact, or impose conditions to protect the child and the non violent parent. Evidence from the criminal case and from child protection authorities can influence these decisions. Safety and the best interests of the child are the guiding standards.

I am a foreign citizen in Lithuania - will seeking help affect my status and can I get legal aid

You have the right to protection and services regardless of nationality or residence status. Reporting domestic violence does not by itself jeopardize your status. If your residence depends on the aggressor, consult a lawyer promptly, as there may be options to protect your stay and safety. Foreign citizens can use emergency services, Specialized Assistance Centers, and may qualify for state guaranteed legal aid, especially if officially recognized as a victim in criminal proceedings.

Additional Resources

Emergency services in Lithuania are reached by calling 112. Police in Marijampolė respond to domestic violence reports at any time. The Marijampolė County Police Headquarters can provide information about reporting and protective measures.

Specialized Assistance Centers in the Marijampolė region provide confidential counseling, safety planning, help with protective orders, and support during interviews and court hearings. Police can refer you automatically after an incident, and you can also contact them on your own.

The State Guaranteed Legal Aid Service provides primary legal advice and can appoint a lawyer for eligible persons. Victims of domestic violence often qualify for free or reduced cost representation in criminal and related civil matters.

National helplines include the Victim Support Line at 116 006, Pagalbos moterims linija at 8 800 66366, Childline at 116 111, and the emotional support line for adults at 116 123. These services can help with safety planning, information about rights, and referrals to local support.

The Marijampolė municipality social services and the State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service can assist families when children are affected. Health care providers in Marijampolė can document injuries and connect you with support services.

Next Steps

If you are in immediate danger, call 112. Seek medical care and ask for written documentation of any injuries or symptoms. If safe to do so, preserve messages, photos, and other evidence. Consider contacting a Specialized Assistance Center in the Marijampolė region for confidential support and help with safety planning and paperwork.

Arrange a consultation with a lawyer experienced in domestic violence cases. Bring any documents you have, such as police reports, medical records, and messages. Discuss urgent protective measures, your housing situation, contact with the aggressor, and plans for children. Ask about eligibility for state guaranteed legal aid and for assistance with applications for compensation as a victim of a violent crime.

If police have already responded, stay in contact with the assigned investigator and the prosecutor. Inform them of any new incidents or order violations and update them about changes in risk. Attend scheduled hearings and speak with your lawyer about preparing testimony and protecting your privacy.

If you have been accused, do not contact the alleged victim if a contact ban is in place. Seek legal counsel immediately, attend all interviews and hearings with your lawyer, and follow all protective measures strictly.

Domestic violence cases can move quickly at the start. Early action, clear safety planning, and informed legal advice will help protect you and your family and support a stronger case in court.