청 "15 Years of Sexual Violence by Biological Father, Severe Sentence if Guilty Confirmed"

Response to Blue House National Petition: Strengthening Punishment for Sexual Crimes Against Children and Adolescents... Implementing Secondary Harm Prevention and Victim Protection Measures

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] The Blue House stated in response to a national petition urging the strict punishment of a biological father who committed sexual violence for 15 years that if guilt is recognized, a severe sentence can be imposed.

Kang Jeong-su, head of the Blue House Digital Communication Center, said on the 1st, "Today, I would like to respond to the petition requesting the strict punishment of a biological father who sexually assaulted for 15 years. This petition has been agreed upon by approximately 248,000 citizens within one month since March 2, 2020."

Kang said, "Regarding crimes of raping children under the age of 13 fifteen years ago, under the then applicable law, the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes and Protection of Victims, offenders could be punished with 'imprisonment for five years or more.'"

Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

Kang explained, "At the same time, in cases of rape by a biological father or other relatives, under the current Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, offenders can be severely punished with 'imprisonment for seven years or more (up to 30 years).' Therefore, if the perpetrator’s criminal facts reported in the national petition are proven guilty, a severe sentence can be imposed."

Previously, the petitioner reported the biological father who sexually assaulted for 15 years, and the case proceeded to trial through investigation. However, the petitioner requested strict punishment of the defendant, fearing that if a severe sentence is not imposed, they would have to live in fear and terror of retaliation after the defendant’s release.

Kang said, "To prevent secondary harm caused by sexual crime perpetrators, which the petitioner is concerned about, protective measures such as disclosure of personal information, attachment of electronic devices, and restraining orders can be taken."

Kang added, "In cases of sexual violence by relatives, the victimization often begins at a young age and remains undisclosed due to family relationships and other reasons. Often, reports are made only after the victim becomes an adult. Strict punishment, along with creating an environment where victims can report immediately after harm occurs and ensuring full protection of victims, is necessary to eradicate sexual violence by relatives."

In 2012, the National Assembly amended the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles against Sexual Abuse to abolish the statute of limitations for sexual crimes such as rape against children and adolescents under 13 and to strengthen punishment. On April 29, 2020, an amendment expanding the exclusion of the statute of limitations to include sexual intercourse and molestation against children and adolescents passed the National Assembly.

Kang said, "When the perpetrator is the legal guardian or custodian of the victim child or adolescent, to prevent repeated harm, prosecutors are required to request loss of parental rights, and measures such as separation from the perpetrator and prohibiting the perpetrator’s return or approach to the residence are implemented."

Meanwhile, to allow child and adolescent victims of sexual violence by relatives to continue attending school and receive protection, a ‘special support protection facility’ for victims of sexual violence by relatives is operated. Starting July 30, a plan will be implemented to allow victimized children to transfer schools under the responsibility of the education superintendent to support their continuous academic progress.

Kang pledged, "We will also promote strengthening support such as counseling, medical care, protection and lodging, and free legal services for sexual violence victims. The government will respond strictly to sexual crimes committed by relatives and actively strive to ensure that the victim’s position is fully reflected during investigation and trial processes so that appropriate punishment is imposed. We will seek additional measures to prevent secondary harm and support victims."

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