| Abstract [eng] |
Sexual violence against women is a global issue. Women survivors of sexual violence often experience both physical and psychological consequences after their victimization. Only effective, professional, and empowering victim support can minimize consequences that women encounter after experiencing sexual violence. This research seeks to examine how effective is the current victim support for female victims of sexual violence in Lithuania. By using feminist theories, a thesis statement is made that the current generic victim support that operates in Lithuania cannot fully empower female victims of sexual violence. Current victim support fails to understand and recognize the needs of women who have experienced sexual violence. This also means that the current victim support can cause secondary victimization to victims that seek assistance. By conducting eight expert interviews with employees from various victim support services, it was confirmed that the current victim support in Lithuania has several essential shortcomings that prevent the empowerment of female victims of sexual violence. As a result, victims often experience secondary victimization by seeking help after the assault. This research also confirms that the current victim support is not adapted to the needs of female victims of sexual violence due to gender inequality. The subordination of women in Lithuania prevents the discussion on how to fully empower women survivors of sexual violence, which means that the vulnerability of these victims will not diminish in the near future. |
