Lithuania plans new measures after child sexual abuse cases

Lithuania plans to submit an action plan to parliament in early September to prevent sexual offences against children, including public awareness measures, possible changes to the Criminal Code, a public register of sexual offenders and expanded medical treatment, LRT reported.

The plan is being prepared as institutions review how to prevent crimes against children. It follows questions about how a priest who worked for more than two decades at Kalesninkai church and five other parishes could allegedly sexually abuse 11 children, while another priest is accused of possessing child pornography.

“The common plan is being prepared. It includes education, prevention, victim protection and compensation,” Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė said.

Ilma Skuodienė, director of the State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service, said training was being considered for religious communities on how to recognise children experiencing sexual abuse.

Child rights officials have also proposed including religious communities, volunteers and their members in the Child Rights Protection Framework Law, requiring them to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect, including physical and psychological violence.

Prosecutor General Nida Grunskienė has proposed amendments to the Criminal Code to cover not only sexual offences involving physical contact but also crimes committed online.

A public register of sexual offenders is among the measures under consideration. Tamašunienė said it was not yet clear whether the register would be public, but that the government supported the idea. Another option could be to expand the use and oversight of QR codes, she said.

The government is also discussing wider access to medication for people who recognise that their sexual urges could lead to criminal behaviour and seek help.

Ramunė Mazaliauskienė, head of the Lithuanian Psychiatric Association, said paedophilia as a disorder could be treated, but treatment should be comprehensive. She said it could include endocrinologists, hormonal medication and long-term psychotherapy.

The government has also presented a 12-point action plan to address violence among minors following several cases reported this summer. The measures include creating a common response algorithm and a procedure for schools, as well as providing the public with more information about how to report such incidents.

Social Security and Labour Minister Inga Ruginienė said violence and sexual violence continued when victims were afraid to report cases and participants or witnesses remained silent.