Development of Referral Pathways for Refugee and Asylum-Seeking Victims of Gender-based Violence (GBV) in Lithuania

Abstract

This study examines the availability and accessibility of mainstream support services in Lithuania for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) who are asylum seekers, refugees, beneficiaries of temporary protection, or individuals in refugee-like situations – the designated target group of this research. It investigates the legal norms and standards governing access to assistance for GBV survivors within this population. The study further outlines the institutional framework – comprising governmental, municipal, and non-governmental actors – tasked with victim support, and identifies key practical barriers that hinder access to essential services. The methodology adopted in this study includes desk-based research on legal and policy documents relevant to GBV prevention and protection, alongside an analysis of legislative instruments addressing both criminalised and non-criminalised forms and manifestations of GBV. It also incorporates sociological research, which comprises both data collection and analysis of: (a) an online survey completed by key assistance and municipal service providers (n = 32), and (b) a series of expert interviews and focus group discussions. The qualitative component includes eleven in-depth individual interviews and four focus group discussions, involving a total of 28 experts.