Lithuania Opens Second Center for Child Sexual Violence Victims

Lithuania is expanding its support for child victims of sexual violence by opening a second specialized assistance center in Klaipėda. This initiative is part of the project "Out of Silence – Child's Home of Help." Currently, over 400 children in Lithuania suffer from sexual violence each year, and they must travel to the sole existing center in Vilnius for help. The long journey can cause distress, making the new Klaipėda center crucial for providing care closer to home. The center in Vilnius, established a decade ago, has assisted nearly 3,000 children and trained approximately 5,000 specialists to identify victims of sexual abuse. Ilma Skuodienė, director of the State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service, emphasized the importance of the second center, stating, "The opening of a second center is an extremely important and necessary step, which, first and foremost, will ensure that children receive the necessary help closest to their place of residence."

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The opening of a second center is an extremely important and necessary step, which, first and foremost, will ensure that children receive the necessary help closest to their place of residence.

Rita Grigalienė, deputy minister of Social Security and Labour, highlighted the government's commitment to ensuring children experiencing sexual violence are not lost in the legal system and receive immediate assistance. "Our goal is very clear: that a child who has experienced sexual violence is not lost and does not get lost in the labyrinths of law enforcement, that help is available here and now. It is also important that parents receive help," Grigalienė said. Specialized assistance for child victims of sexual violence began in Lithuania ten years ago. While significant progress has been made, the need for timely and professional support remains critical. The new Klaipėda center is expected to provide a safer and more sensitive environment for these children and their families, underscoring the importance of inter-institutional cooperation in ensuring adequate child protection.

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Our goal is very clear: that a child who has experienced sexual violence is not lost and does not get lost in the labyrinths of law enforcement, that help is available here and now. It is also important that parents receive help.