The Police's Top Priority in 2020 New Year Remains Responding to 'Gender Violence'

Increasing Trend of Crimes Against Women Such as Domestic and Dating Violence
Establishment of Response System Centered on Police Agency's 'Women Safety Planning Officer'
Strengthening Investigation Expertise and Full Efforts to Protect Victims

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] In the new year of 2020, the Year of the Rat, the police's top priority is expected to remain responding to 'gender-based violence,' including crimes against women. The National Police Agency has taken steps to establish a system by selecting the first-ever Women’s Safety Planning Officer, who will serve as a control tower for gender-based violence.

The Police University’s Institute of Police Policy recently forecasted in its 'Security Network 2020' report that crimes against women, such as domestic violence and dating violence, will show an increasing trend. In the case of dating violence, 15,150 cases were reported from January to September last year, marking an 8.4% increase compared to the same period the previous year. Notably, assaults involving home intrusion rose by 20%.

In response, the police have begun building a systematic response system for crimes against women. The appointment of Jo Joo-eun as the Women’s Safety Planning Officer on December 24 last year marked the starting point. The Women’s Safety Planning Officer will oversee and coordinate women’s safety policies within the National Police Agency and act as a communication channel with external related organizations and women’s groups, serving as a central figure in women’s policing policies.

Additionally, the police finalized the 'Basic Plan for Gender Equality Policy (2020?2024)' and will promote measures to enhance the response system for violence against women. The police response will proceed along three main lines: ▲ Establishing a foundation for the response system to violence against women ▲ Strict response and strengthening investigative expertise for violence against women ▲ Enhancing protection and support for victims of violence against women, including prevention of secondary harm.

First, centered on the Women’s Safety Planning Officer, a 'Women’s Safety Strategy Council' involving all functions within the National Police Agency will be formed to oversee and coordinate overall women’s safety policies and establish comprehensive countermeasures. The police will strengthen field responses through amendments to the Special Act on Domestic Violence and enactment of the Stalking Punishment Act, as well as pursue legislative revisions to eliminate blind spots in victim protection. In particular, research on response measures for new types of crimes such as hate crimes, crimes targeting single-woman households and single-person businesses, and catcalling (street harassment) will also be conducted.

Furthermore, the police will prepare and implement enhanced response measures for each type of crime, including sexual violence, illegal filming and distribution, and domestic violence. The victim protection and support system will be improved to monitor the entire process from reporting and dispatch to post-support, and equipment necessary for personal protection, such as smartwatches, will be expanded. In his New Year’s address, National Police Chief Min Gap-ryong emphasized, "We must strengthen protection policies for socially vulnerable groups on a solid social safety net," and added, "We will create a safe environment where women can live comfortably without fear or anxiety about crime."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.