Over 400 cases of sexual violence against children recorded last year, new support center opens

More than 400 cases of sexual violence against children were recorded in Lithuania last year, with 165 already reported this year, according to child rights defenders cited by LRT.

In response to the growing need for accessible support, a new specialized center for children affected by sexual violence will open in Klaipėda this summer. The center is part of the project “IŠ TYLOS – vaiko pagalbos namai” (From Silence – Child Support Homes), funded by the European Social Fund and EU co-financing under Lithuania’s 2021–2030 family policy development program.

Until now, the only such facility in Lithuania was the “Užuovėja” center in Vilnius, established a decade ago. Since its opening, it has assisted nearly 3,000 children and trained around 5,000 specialists to identify victims of sexual abuse.

Ilma Skuodienė, director of the State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service, noted that children from remote municipalities often face long, stressful journeys to Vilnius for help. The new Klaipėda center aims to provide support closer to their homes.

Rita Grigalienė, Deputy Minister of Social Security and Labour, emphasized the importance of immediate, professional assistance for victims. “Our goal is clear: a child who has experienced sexual violence should not get lost in the legal system. Help must be accessible here and now, including for parents,” she said.

Grigalienė added that sexual violence is one of the most traumatic experiences for a child, often leaving them struggling to process emotions or decide next steps. She stressed the need for both family support and expert intervention.

Over the past decade, Lithuania has made progress in providing specialized care, but demand for timely, professional help remains high. The new center in Klaipėda is expected to address this gap.