Best Domestic Violence Lawyers in Skuodas

About Domestic Violence Law in Skuodas, Republic of Lithuania

Domestic violence is a crime in Lithuania and is addressed through national laws that apply in Skuodas as part of Klaipėda County. The Law on Protection Against Domestic Violence provides a framework for rapid protection of victims, while the Criminal Code covers violent, threatening, controlling, or repeated abusive behavior. Police in Skuodas must act on any report of domestic violence, assess risk, protect the victim, and start a pretrial investigation when there is suspicion of a crime. Victims have a right to safety, information, specialized support, and legal assistance.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can be critical if you are seeking an emergency protection order to keep an abuser away from you and your home, if the police or prosecutor are investigating a crime and you want help understanding your rights, or if you need to coordinate criminal proceedings with family law issues such as divorce, child custody, child residence, child support, and property division. Legal counsel is also helpful for preparing statements and evidence, addressing cross border concerns for foreign nationals, applying for state compensation for victims of violent crime, and ensuring you receive state guaranteed legal aid if you qualify. In Skuodas, a local lawyer can guide you through nearby courts and authorities, help with communication in Lithuanian where needed, and coordinate with specialized assistance centers.

Local Laws Overview

Domestic violence is regulated mainly by the Law on Protection Against Domestic Violence and by the Criminal Code of the Republic of Lithuania. The law defines domestic violence broadly to include physical, psychological, sexual, and economic violence within a close relationship. A close person can mean a spouse, partner, former partner, cohabitant, family member, or other person with close ties. Police must respond to reports, assess risk, document evidence, and can adopt immediate protective measures to separate the suspected abuser from the victim. Prosecutors and courts can order protection measures that may require the suspected abuser to leave the shared home, keep a specified distance, avoid any contact, surrender weapons, and comply with other restrictions for victim safety.

Pretrial investigations are usually started by authorities based on information about possible abuse and do not depend on a victim filing a private complaint. Courts can extend and adjust protection measures upon request. Breaching protective measures can lead to criminal liability. Victims have rights to information about the case, to be heard on protective needs, to confidentiality, to an interpreter if needed, to specialized assistance, and to state guaranteed legal aid where eligibility criteria are met. Victims of violent crimes may also seek state compensation for certain damages under separate legislation.

Skuodas residents access these protections through local police, prosecutors, courts serving Klaipėda County, and the region’s specialized assistance centers that provide free psychological, social, and legal support to victims.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as domestic violence under Lithuanian law

Domestic violence includes physical harm, threats, intimidation, stalking, humiliation, controlling behavior, sexual violence, and economic abuse when it occurs between close persons. Repeated or continuous abuse is taken seriously even if single incidents seem minor. The focus is on protecting the victim and stopping the abusive pattern.

Do I have to file a complaint for the police to act

No. If police receive information that domestic violence may have occurred, they must assess and may start a pretrial investigation on their own initiative. Your safety does not depend on filing a private complaint, although your statements and cooperation can help authorities act quickly and effectively.

How do I report domestic violence in Skuodas

If you are in immediate danger, call 112. You can also report at the nearest police station or speak with healthcare providers who can document injuries and contact police. Specialized assistance centers in Klaipėda County can help you report and navigate services. Keep any evidence such as messages, photos, medical records, and witness details.

Can the abuser be removed from our home

Yes. Authorities can adopt emergency protective measures that require the suspected abuser to leave a shared residence and not contact you. Courts can maintain or extend these measures. These orders can apply regardless of who owns the property because victim safety is the priority.

What protective orders are available

Courts can order the person suspected of violence to leave the home, avoid contact and communication, keep a specific distance, surrender weapons, and follow other restrictions needed to prevent harm. Orders can be adjusted based on risk and may be extended upon request with supporting information.

What if the violence is psychological or economic, not physical

Psychological and economic abuse are recognized by Lithuanian law. Threats, coercive control, intimidation, humiliation, restricting access to money, and isolating someone can form the basis for protection measures and criminal liability. Document the behavior, save communications, and seek support even if there are no visible injuries.

Will my immigration status affect my ability to get help

No. Police and support services will assist you regardless of nationality or residence status. If your residence in Lithuania depends on a relationship with the abuser, consult a lawyer promptly to explore options and to protect your status and safety.

Can I get free legal aid

Many victims qualify for state guaranteed legal aid, which can cover initial legal advice and representation in criminal and related civil matters. Eligibility depends on income and specific circumstances. Specialized assistance centers can help you apply, and a local lawyer can guide you through requirements.

How are children protected in domestic violence cases

Authorities must consider child safety. Police and child protection authorities can adopt urgent measures, and courts can issue temporary orders about residence, contact, and support. Exposing a child to domestic violence is taken seriously and can influence custody decisions. Document any impact on children and advise authorities of safety concerns.

What compensation or support can I receive as a victim

You can access specialized assistance free of charge, including psychological, social, and legal help. If you suffered a violent crime, you may apply for state compensation for certain damages. A lawyer or specialized assistance center can explain eligibility and help you apply.

Additional Resources

Emergency services in Lithuania, call 112.

Lithuanian Police in Skuodas District.

Specialized Assistance Centers in Klaipėda County that support victims of domestic violence.

State Guaranteed Legal Aid Service, Klaipėda region office.

Prosecutor’s Office serving Klaipėda County.

Klaipėda District Court and its Victim and Witness Support Service.

Pagalbos moterims linija, the national women’s help line.

Child helpline for support to children and parents.

Skuodas District Municipality social services and crisis support.

Healthcare providers in Skuodas who can document injuries and refer to support.

Next Steps

Prioritize safety. If there is any immediate risk, call 112 and move to a safe place if you can. Seek medical attention for any injuries and ask for documentation. Contact a specialized assistance center in Klaipėda County for confidential support and practical help. Speak with a lawyer in or near Skuodas to discuss protection measures, your rights in the criminal process, and any family law or immigration issues. Ask about state guaranteed legal aid if cost is a concern. Gather and safely store evidence such as messages, photos, medical reports, and names of witnesses. If you have children, inform authorities about their safety and routine needs. Follow up on protective measures, and update police and your lawyer about any breach. With the right support, you can secure protection, stabilize your situation, and plan longer term legal steps.