'Two Female Middle School Students Die from Sexual Violence'... Blue House Says "Active Victim Protection Measures Needed"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Blue House responded to a national petition related to the case in which two female middle school students who were victims of sexual violence took extreme measures, stating, "We hope that appropriate punishment will be carried out through the trial process," and added, "We deeply realize the need for thorough investigations into sexual crimes, including intrafamilial sexual violence, and active protective measures for victims."

On the 16th, the Blue House stated regarding the national petition on the 'Case of Two Female Middle School Students Who Were Victims of Sexual Violence and Passed Away,' "we will keep in mind the will of the people shown through the petition support and continue thorough investigations and victim protection."

This petition requested severe punishment for a stepfather who sexually assaulted his stepdaughter and her friend. It became a matter of national outrage as it was reported that the victims took extreme measures during the investigation. The petition garnered the support of 204,000 citizens.

The Blue House stated, "Since the case was reported in February, the police have conducted investigations by securing victim statements and medical records," and added, "However, the victims passed away on May 12 while the investigation was ongoing, which brings a heavy sense of responsibility and sorrow."

It continued, "On June 2, the police arrested and sent the stepfather to prosecution on charges including intrafamilial rape under the Sexual Violence Punishment Act, and on June 15, the biological mother was sent to prosecution without detention on charges of neglecting intrafamilial rape," adding, "The prosecution indicted the stepfather on June 18 and brought him to trial. We hope that appropriate punishment will be carried out through the trial process."

The government’s efforts to address child abuse issues among adolescents were also introduced. The Blue House stated, "The Ministry of Education is continuously strengthening the Wee Project, which provides counseling and healing services to students experiencing difficulties due to child abuse and sexual violence," and added, "In particular, following this tragic death incident, the local education office issued a suicide crisis management system alert and supported special counseling for students and faculty members."

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