Challenges for Preventing Violence Against Women in Lithuania

Abstract

This paper aims to analyse whether gendered interpretations of domestic violence have an effect on the approach to victims’ responsibilities and their role in protecting themselves against further violence. It employs a critical discourse analysis and includes a qualitative analysis of interviews with 10 victims and three court rulings. The analysis of the victims’ narratives and court rulings revealed that women were often seen as key actors in continuing victimization. The findings obtained in this study may help academics and practitioners in the area of violence to understand that gender-neutral criminal justice systems are not necessarily separated from gendered social discourse.