Every human trafficking victim has a right to receive State funded assistance and social services according to the victim`s needs.
State funded assistance includes:
- assessing the needs of the victim and drawing up a plan of assistance
- providing information about the victim’s rights, services available and competent authorities
- providing emotional and/or psychological support
- temporary accommodation
- escorting the victim to institutions or organisations (at the request of the victim).
In Lithuania assistance is provided by specialised organisations.
Victims of trafficking may also receive social services provided in the Catalog of Social Services, and general help as victims of crimes. Note that certain social services described in the Catalog may be subject to payment, depending on your situation.
Who can receive assistance and services?
State funded assistance for victims of human trafficking are available to all persons who are recognized as victims of human trafficking. This also includes members of the family if the victim has died.
There is no need for criminal proceedings to be initiated and for the victim to have obtained official victim status in those proceedings for a victim of trafficking to receive State funded assistance and social services.
Unlike in criminal proceedings, there is no statutory time limitation for a victim to receive assistance and services. Therefore, a victim of human trafficking can apply and is entitled to State funded assistance and social services, even if the trafficking took place decades prior to the application.