The topic of the thesis is very relevant since in Lithuania violence against women in the family is a widely spread phenomenon. However in our country very little is spoken and written about this phenomenon. A concept of violence against women, its main kinds, factors determining violence against women in the family are discussed in the paper from the theoretical point of view. Theoretical explanations on violence against women in the family are analysed. A situation of women who experience violence in the family in Lithuania is discussed. The main problems are identified which are faced by women who experience violence in the family.

The object of the research were women who experienced violence in the family.

A hypothesis was raised that women who lived in unregistered marriage experienced violence more often than married woman and this violence was more of physical type. Besides, violence was much more spread in those families where relationship of a man and a woman was not based on an equality, i.e. when a patriarchal family type prevailed.

The objective of the paper is to analyse the situation, peculiarities and tendencies of violence against women in the families in Lithuania and define which problems the victims of violence in families most often face.

The following tasks were defined for the implementation of the thesis‘s objective: to discuss the theoretical aspects of the phenomenon of violence against women in the family, to analyse the present situation of Lithuanian women who experience violence in the families, to review the researches carried out on violence against women in Lithuania, to identify problems most often experienced by such women and provide suggestions how to solve such problems.

Theoretical, empirical and statistical research methods were applied in the thesis.

With reference to the research data the problems most often experienced by women were defined: emotional, physical, social and psychological problems. It was identified that women who lived in unregistered marriage experienced violence in less cases than married women and this violence was more of physical kind. It was also identified that violence was much more widely spread in those families where relationship of a man and a woman was not based on an equality, i.e. a patriarchal type of a family prevailed.

The author provided the following suggestions that could help to solve the problems of Lithuanian women who experienced violence in the family: to improve the informational system on violence against women in the family, to ensure the versatile help to women who experienced violence in the family and strengthen the intuitive potential.

The paper consists of a preface, three parts, conclusions, suggestions, bibliography and annexes.

In the first part a concept of violence against women in the family, its main types, factors influencing violence against women in the family are analysed. Theoretical explanations on violence against women in the family are also analysed.

In the second part a situation of women who experience violence in the family in Lithuania is analysed. An analysis of official statistical data on violence against women and the researches carried out on violence against women is provided. Problems of women who experience violence in the family in Lithuania are also discussed.

In the third part a structure and characteristics of violence against women in the family which are common to different women groups (according to the demographical division) are analysed. Reaction to violence of women who experienced violence in the family and the relationship of women who experienced violence and a violator are examined. The main problems which are faced by Lithuanian women who experience violence in the family are analysed.

Raktažodžiai: violence against women in the family, problems of violence against women, violence circle, feminism theory