Lithuania proposes higher compensation for violent crime victims

Lithuania’s Ministry of Justice has proposed increasing compensation for non-pecuniary damage suffered by victims of violent crimes, including sexual violence, LRT reported.

The ministry also proposes allowing money accumulated in the Fund for Victims of Crime to finance secondary legal aid and specialised training for lawyers.

Fund revenue increased more than fourfold between 2020 and 2025, from about €950,000 to €4 million. Around €3.7 million in unused funds had accumulated by the end of 2025. The ministry said the proposed measures would use this money and would not require additional state budget funding.

Part of the fund would be used to finance secondary legal aid for victims of violent crimes in criminal and civil cases. The ministry also wants to fund specialised training and professional development for lawyers providing state-guaranteed legal assistance, with particular attention to representing minors, victims of sexual offences and others with special protection needs.

The ministry proposes raising the maximum state-paid compensation for non-pecuniary damage. When a violent crime seriously harms a person’s health or causes harm to a minor, the maximum compensation would rise to €8,140. If a violent crime causes minor harm to a minor’s health or inflicts physical pain, the maximum compensation would increase to €4,440.

The ministry said higher compensation would better reflect the physical, psychological and social consequences of crimes, which can be long-lasting for the most vulnerable victims.

The proposals also aim to strengthen a one-stop assistance system linking compensation, legal aid and specialist expertise.

Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė said the system should ensure that victims, particularly children, are not left alone when dealing with the justice system.

The government will consider the amendments submitted by the Ministry of Justice. If approved, the draft would be submitted to the Seimas.