Best Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Marijampolė

About Sexual Abuse Law in Marijampolė, Republic of Lithuania

Sexual abuse in Marijampolė is governed by national Lithuanian law and applies equally throughout the Republic of Lithuania. The Criminal Code criminalizes a wide range of conduct, including rape, sexual assault, coercion into sexual acts, exploitation of a person who cannot consent, and any sexual activity involving children. Consent must be voluntary, informed, and freely given. Violence, threats, intimidation, abuse of authority, or use of a person’s incapacity removes consent. The age of consent in Lithuania is generally 16, and sexual acts with a person under this age are criminal. When abuse occurs within families or intimate relationships, protective measures under laws addressing violence in close relationships may also apply.

Victims have legal rights to protection, respectful treatment, information about their case, support services, and compensation. Proceedings in sexual offence cases are often held in closed court to protect privacy. Local police in Marijampolė, prosecutors, courts, health care providers, and victim support organizations work together to protect victims and hold offenders accountable.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you understand your options, protect your privacy, and ensure that your rights are respected at every stage. You may need legal help if you are deciding whether to report an incident, want a no-contact or protection order, have been contacted by police as a witness or suspect, or need to claim compensation. Lawyers assist with pre-trial statements, representation during interviews and court hearings, and coordination with medical and psychological experts. If the abuse occurred at work or school, a lawyer can advise on employment or education law remedies. If you are a foreign national, a lawyer can explain how criminal proceedings may affect your residence status and help arrange interpreters. Many victims of violent crimes can access state-funded legal aid regardless of income in Lithuania.

Local Laws Overview

Criminal Code of the Republic of Lithuania - Sexual offences include rape, sexual assault, coercion into sexual acts, sexual abuse and exploitation of children, and crimes involving exploitation of a person’s dependence or incapacity. Penalties increase when the victim is a child, when violence is severe, when multiple offenders are involved, or when the offender occupies a position of trust such as a teacher or caregiver.

Criminal Procedure Code - Police open a pre-trial investigation when a report is made or when there are signs of a crime. Victims can request specific protective measures, such as confidential handling of personal data, avoidance of direct contact with the suspect during procedures, and questioning in conditions designed to reduce trauma. Court hearings in sexual offence cases can be closed to the public to protect privacy.

Protection from violence in close relationships - If the abuse occurred in a family or intimate relationship, police can issue immediate temporary protection measures to separate the suspected abuser from the victim, prohibit contact, and restrict access to the home. Courts can extend and adjust these measures.

Children and young people - Any sexual acts with persons below the age of consent are criminal, and penalties are more severe for crimes against children. Professionals have a duty to report suspected abuse of minors to child rights authorities or police. Children can be interviewed with adapted methods and with a psychologist present to minimize harm.

Victims’ rights - Lithuanian law implements EU standards on victims’ rights. Victims are entitled to respectful treatment, information about their case, interpretation and translation, protective measures, legal aid in many cases, and support services. Victims can seek compensation from the offender and may apply for state compensation for violent crimes.

Limitation periods - Time limits for prosecution depend on the severity of the offence. For crimes against minors, limitation periods are longer and in some cases start running from the victim’s 18th birthday. Ask a lawyer for the specific timelines in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as sexual abuse under Lithuanian law?

Sexual abuse includes rape, sexual assault, forcing or coercing a person to take part in sexual acts, exploiting a person who cannot consent due to age, intoxication, illness, disability, or other circumstances, and offences involving children such as grooming, exploitation, and production or possession of abusive material. Consent must be freely given and can be withdrawn at any time.

How do I report sexual abuse in Marijampolė?

If you are in immediate danger, call 112. You can report at any police station in Marijampolė or by contacting the police by phone. You may also inform a trusted doctor, social worker, or a victim support organization who can help you report. A pre-trial investigation is led by the police and supervised by a prosecutor.

Do I need to report right away?

You do not have to report immediately, but prompt reporting can help secure evidence and ensure your safety. If you are unsure, speak with a lawyer or a victim support service to understand your options. Keep in mind there are limitation periods, which are longer for serious offences and for crimes against minors.

What should I do to preserve evidence?

If possible, avoid washing, changing clothes, or cleaning the scene. Seek medical care as soon as you can. Tell the health care provider that you may want a forensic examination. Save messages, photos, social media posts, and contact details of any witnesses. Write down what happened while details are fresh.

Will my identity be kept confidential?

Victims have privacy protections. Personal data is handled confidentially during the investigation. Courts can hold closed hearings in sexual offence cases. Media must respect privacy and cannot publish identifying information about victims of sexual crimes.

Can I get a protection order or no-contact order?

Yes. Police can issue immediate temporary measures in cases of violence in close relationships, including removing the suspected abuser from the home and prohibiting contact. Prosecutors and courts can impose no-contact obligations and other restrictions during the pre-trial and trial stages.

What if alcohol or drugs were involved?

A person who is intoxicated to the point of incapacity cannot give valid consent. Exploiting someone’s incapacity is a criminal offence. If you were intoxicated, you are not responsible for the offender’s actions.

Can a minor report without parents?

Yes. Children and young people can report directly to police, a teacher, a doctor, or child rights authorities. Interviews are conducted with appropriate safeguards and, when needed, in the presence of a psychologist or a trusted adult.

What penalties do offenders face?

Penalties depend on the offence and circumstances. They can include imprisonment, fines, prohibitions on certain activities or professions, and registration of convictions. Penalties are more severe when the victim is a child, when there is serious injury, or when the offender abuses a position of trust.

Can I get compensation?

You can claim damages from the offender during the criminal case or through a separate civil claim. If the offender cannot pay, you may be eligible for state compensation for violent crimes. A lawyer or victim support service can help you apply and document your losses, including medical costs, therapy, lost income, and non-pecuniary harm.

Additional Resources

Emergency services - Call 112 for immediate police, medical, or fire assistance anywhere in Lithuania, including Marijampolė.

Lithuanian Victims of Crime Helpline - 116 006. Free confidential support and information about your rights and available services.

Pagalbos moterims linija - 8 800 66 366. Free support line for women experiencing violence, including sexual violence.

Vaikų linija - 116 111. Free helpline for children and young people.

Marijampolė Police - Contact your nearest police station or call 112 to report a crime or request protective measures.

Prosecutor’s Office - Regional prosecutors supervise investigations and represent the public interest in court. You can ask about victim rights and the status of your case.

State Guaranteed Legal Aid Service - Provides primary and secondary legal aid. Victims of serious violent crimes often qualify for state-funded counsel.

State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service - Receives reports and intervenes in cases involving children. Professionals must report suspected abuse of minors.

National Forensic Service - Health professionals can coordinate forensic examinations to document injuries and collect evidence.

Marijampolė Municipality Social Services - Offers social support, safe accommodation referrals, and coordination with specialized assistance centers.

Next Steps

Ensure immediate safety. If you are in danger, call 112 or go to a safe place. Consider contacting a trusted person or a support hotline for emotional support and practical guidance.

Seek medical care and forensic documentation. Visit a hospital or clinic as soon as possible. Tell the clinician you may want forensic evidence collected. You can receive care even if you have not yet decided to report to police.

Preserve evidence. Keep clothing, bedding, or items in separate paper bags. Save messages, call logs, and screenshots. Write down what you remember, including dates, times, and locations.

Report when ready. You can report at a police station in Marijampolė or by calling 112. If the situation involves a child, report immediately to police or child rights authorities. You may ask for a same-sex officer when feasible and for special arrangements to minimize trauma.

Consult a lawyer. A lawyer can advise you before any formal statement, request protective measures, accompany you to interviews, and pursue compensation. Ask about eligibility for state-funded legal aid.

Engage support services. Call 116 006 or 8 800 66 366 to connect with trained counselors and specialized assistance. They can help with safety planning, housing, therapy referrals, and case updates.

Consider compensation. Talk to your lawyer or a victim support worker about filing a civil claim in the criminal case and applying for state compensation for violent crimes.

Look after your wellbeing. Trauma-informed counseling and medical follow up are important. Support services can help you access free or low-cost options in Marijampolė.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and procedures can change and specific facts matter. For tailored advice, consult a qualified lawyer in Lithuania or contact the State Guaranteed Legal Aid Service.