Best Sexual Harassment Lawyers in Marijampolė

About Sexual Harassment Law in Marijampolė, Republic of Lithuania

Sexual harassment in Lithuania is prohibited by national law and applies equally in Marijampolė. It is understood as unwanted verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that violates a person’s dignity and creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. The prohibition covers workplaces, educational institutions, the provision of goods and services, and other public settings.

Lithuania follows European Union equality standards. This means that if you experience sexual harassment in Marijampolė, you can rely on clear definitions, multiple reporting and enforcement avenues, and protections against retaliation. Public bodies and employers have proactive duties to prevent and address harassment, and victims can seek remedies such as cessation of harassment, changes in working or study conditions, and compensation for material and non-material damage.

Some conduct associated with sexual harassment can also constitute separate criminal offenses, for example sexual violence, coercion, stalking, unlawful dissemination of intimate images, or harassment of minors. In such situations, a criminal report to the police may be appropriate in addition to any civil or administrative complaint.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you evaluate the facts, choose the right forum, and protect your rights under tight deadlines. Common situations where legal help is valuable include disputes with an employer over how a complaint was handled, fear of or actual retaliation such as dismissal or demotion, negotiating a confidential settlement, preparing for a Labour Disputes Commission hearing, quantifying and proving non-material damage, and coordinating parallel processes with the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson, police, and courts.

Legal support is also important if the alleged conduct may be criminal, when the harasser is a senior manager, client, or teacher, when you are on a fixed-term or probationary contract, when you hold a temporary residence or work permit, or when your case involves digital evidence or cross-border elements. A lawyer can help preserve evidence, structure witness statements, engage expert assessments if needed, and ensure you are not exposed to unlawful non-disclosure or non-disparagement clauses.

If cost is a concern, ask about state-guaranteed legal aid and local pro bono or low-cost services. Early advice often prevents procedural missteps and strengthens your position.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal sources in Lithuania include the Law on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men, the Law on Equal Treatment, the Labour Code, the Civil Code, the Code of Administrative Offences, and the Criminal Code for conduct that crosses into criminality. These laws apply uniformly in Marijampolė.

Definition and scope - Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that affects dignity and creates a hostile environment. It is prohibited in employment, education, and the provision of goods and services. The prohibition protects all genders and applies to public and private sectors.

Employer and institution duties - Employers must ensure a safe and healthy work environment, adopt and implement anti-harassment policies, train managers, investigate complaints promptly and impartially, and protect complainants and witnesses from retaliation. Educational institutions and service providers have parallel duties to prevent and remedy harassment.

How to enforce your rights - You can use internal reporting channels at your workplace or school. You can apply to the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson Service, which investigates discrimination and harassment cases. Employment-related monetary or reinstatement claims typically go first to the Labour Disputes Commission under the State Labour Inspectorate. For severe conduct or ongoing danger, contact the police. You can also bring civil claims for damages in court.

Burden of proof - In discrimination and harassment disputes, once you present facts supporting a presumption of harassment, the burden shifts to the employer or institution to prove that no violation occurred. This eases the evidentiary load on victims.

Remedies - Possible outcomes include an order to stop the harassment, disciplinary action against the harasser, adjustments to work or study arrangements, training and policy changes, restoration of lost benefits, reinstatement, and compensation for material and non-material damage.

Deadlines - Employment-related claims are subject to strict and short time limits. In many cases, you must file with the Labour Disputes Commission within three months of when you learned about the violation. Appeals to court also have short deadlines. Different time limits can apply to complaints to the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson, civil claims, and criminal reports. Consult a lawyer promptly to avoid missing a deadline.

Protection against retaliation - Lithuanian law forbids victimisation for reporting harassment or participating as a witness. Retaliation can itself lead to liability for the employer or institution, including reinstatement and damages.

Criminal law interface - If the conduct involves sexual violence, coercion, threats, stalking, unlawful recording or distribution of intimate images, or minors, the police and prosecutor may open a criminal case. You can seek a protection measure through criminal procedure where appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as sexual harassment under Lithuanian law

It is any unwanted verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that violates dignity and creates a hostile or offensive environment. Examples include sexually explicit comments, unwanted touching, repeated propositions, displaying sexual images, and sexually charged messages. A single serious incident can be enough, and a pattern of lesser conduct can also qualify.

Does the law apply outside the workplace

Yes. Beyond employment, sexual harassment is prohibited in education and in the provision of goods and services. Students, trainees, patients, customers, and visitors are protected. Public authorities are also bound by these rules.

How do I report workplace sexual harassment in Marijampolė

Use your employer’s internal procedure first if it is safe to do so. Preserve evidence, submit a written complaint to HR or a designated officer, and request interim measures. You can also apply to the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson for an investigation. For employment-related claims such as wages, reinstatement, or damages, file with the Labour Disputes Commission. If there is violence, threats, or ongoing danger, call the police at 112.

What evidence should I collect

Keep a dated timeline of events, emails, messages, screenshots, photos, access logs, and notes of conversations. Save copies of complaints and responses. Identify potential witnesses. Preserve medical records if relevant. Keep evidence in a secure location and make a backup.

How long do I have to file

Employment claims are time sensitive. In many cases you must apply to the Labour Disputes Commission within three months from when you learned about the violation. Other procedures can have different deadlines. Because rules vary, seek legal advice quickly to avoid missing your opportunity to act.

Will my employer or school be notified if I contact the Ombudsperson

The respondent generally has the right to be informed and to respond. While your personal data is protected, investigations are adversarial to ensure fairness. If you need confidential guidance before making a formal complaint, consult a lawyer or a specialized assistance center.

Can I be punished for complaining

No. Retaliation such as dismissal, demotion, harmful schedule changes, or grading penalties for reporting or assisting in a harassment case is prohibited. If retaliation occurs, you can challenge it and seek remedies, including reinstatement and damages.

What outcomes can I expect

Possible outcomes include stopping the harassment, disciplinary action for the harasser, training or policy changes, relocation or schedule adjustments, reversal of adverse actions, and compensation for material and non-material damage. In serious cases, criminal penalties may apply through a criminal proceeding.

Is online or text message harassment covered

Yes. Unwanted sexual content delivered by email, messaging apps, social networks, or other digital tools can qualify as sexual harassment when it affects dignity or creates a hostile environment. Save screenshots and metadata where possible.

Do I need a lawyer and can I get legal aid

You are not required to have a lawyer, but legal help can improve your case and protect you from mistakes. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about state-guaranteed legal aid. Some NGOs and university clinics also provide free or low-cost assistance. Many lawyers offer initial consultations to assess your options.

Additional Resources

Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson Service - Independent authority that investigates discrimination and sexual harassment complaints and issues recommendations.

State Labour Inspectorate and Labour Disputes Commission - Oversees employment rights and hears individual labour disputes, including harassment-related employment claims.

Marijampolė District Court - Local court for civil cases and appeals from the Labour Disputes Commission decisions within statutory deadlines.

Marijampolė County Police Headquarters - For reporting criminal conduct such as sexual violence, coercion, stalking, or threats. Emergency number is 112.

Prosecutor’s Office - Conducts and supervises criminal investigations in serious cases involving sexual offenses.

State Guaranteed Legal Aid Service - Provides means-tested legal aid and representation in civil, administrative, and criminal matters.

Specialized Assistance Centers for victims of sexual or domestic violence in the Marijampolė region - Offers crisis counseling, safety planning, legal information, and accompaniment.

Marijampolė Municipality Social Services Centre - Can provide psychosocial support, referrals, and help with accessing municipal services.

Psychological support lines - National hotlines provide confidential emotional support, including services dedicated to women and to children and adolescents.

Next Steps

Ensure immediate safety. If you are in danger or have experienced violence or threats, call 112. Seek medical attention if needed and ask about forensic documentation.

Preserve evidence. Write a detailed timeline, save messages and emails, record dates and witnesses, and keep copies of all complaints and responses. Do not delete digital communications.

Use internal channels. If safe, file a written complaint under your employer’s or school’s policy and request interim protections such as schedule changes or no-contact measures.

Choose the right forum. Consider a complaint to the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson for investigation and recommendations. For employment outcomes or compensation, apply to the Labour Disputes Commission within applicable deadlines. Report criminal behavior to the police.

Seek legal advice early. Contact a lawyer in Marijampolė to assess strategy, deadlines, and remedies. Ask about state-guaranteed legal aid if cost is a barrier.

Look after your wellbeing. Contact a specialized assistance center or counselor for confidential support and safety planning. Keep trusted friends or family informed.

Monitor deadlines and follow up. Mark key dates for filings and appeals. Keep communication in writing and store documents securely. If the situation escalates or retaliation occurs, update your lawyer and consider additional legal steps.

This guide is informational and not legal advice. Laws and procedures can change, and your circumstances may require tailored guidance from a qualified professional in Lithuania.