Twelve Lithuanian women’s rights and human rights organisations have united around a shared goal: addressing violence against lesbian and bisexual women and non-binary people.

On 4 September 2026, the National LGBT Rights Organisation LGL and its partners initiated the signing of a memorandum of cooperation expressing their solidarity and shared commitment to tackling this systemic yet insufficiently visible problem.

Research indicates that violence against LBT women and non-binary people in Lithuania is widespread and takes many forms. Many have experienced psychological, sexual or cyber violence, feel unsafe in public spaces and have very little trust in institutions and existing support systems.

These experiences often remain invisible and are not systematically recorded or adequately considered in policymaking. Those affected may face barriers when seeking assistance, as well as the risk of secondary victimisation. Lithuania also lacks a clear and standardised support pathway, while specialised psychological and legal assistance sensitive to the needs of these groups remains difficult to access.

The memorandum recognises that addressing this problem is a shared responsibility requiring consistent cooperation between civil society organisations and public-sector institutions.

The signatories committed to:

• Sharing research findings, methodological resources, expertise and good practices;
• Cooperating with one another and public-sector institutions to develop a clear support pathway and improve access to assistance;
• Strengthening the competencies of police officers, social workers, psychologists, educators, healthcare professionals and legal practitioners;
• Representing the interests of LBT women and non-binary people, raising the visibility of their experiences and submitting recommendations to decision-makers;
• Contributing to public education, challenging stereotypes and hatred, and creating a safer environment.

The memorandum was signed by:

• National LGBT rights organization LGL;
• Women’s Information Centre;
• Marijampolė County Women’s Activity Centre;
• Charity and Support Foundation FRIDA;
• Kėdainiai District Women’s Crisis Centre;
• Centre Against Human Trafficking and Exploitation;
• Kretinga Women’s Information and Training Centre;
• Human Resources Monitoring and Development Bureau;
• Valandėlė sau;
• Sveikatingumo kalvė;
• Women’s Rights Association;
• Association Vilnius Women’s House.

The memorandum remains open to new signatories. Other non-governmental organisations, national and municipal institutions, representatives of the academic community and other partners that recognise the problem and are prepared to contribute to addressing it may join at any time.

Public-sector institutions are particularly encouraged to become involved, as the response to violence is most effective when civil society and public-sector bodies work together.

Signing or joining the memorandum does not create any legal or financial obligations. It expresses a shared commitment to common values and a willingness to cooperate.

Organisations interested in joining the memorandum are invited to contact LGL at office@gay.lt.

The coalition of non-governmental organisations was established and the memorandum signed as part of the project “Visible and Heard: A Response to Gender-Based Violence Against LBT Women and Non-Binary People” (No. GR-001-LT). The project aims to contribute to a safer and more inclusive society and to strengthen support mechanisms for LBT women experiencing gender-based violence.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.