The Shadow of Familial Sexual Violence... Victim's Testimony: "A Teen Who Didn't Even Realize It Was Abuse"

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] "Intrafamilial sexual violence is a 'blind spot' in the Me Too movement. Young victims grow up unable to even recognize the crime or abuse amid a family atmosphere of silence."

On the 20th, activist Minji (pseudonym), who raises awareness about intrafamilial sexual assault issues, made this statement. She is a survivor who suffered intrafamilial sexual violence from her middle school cousin when she was seven years old. Since February, she has been holding solo protests with other activists on the last Saturday of every month at the National Assembly and Gwanghwamun to demand the abolition of the statute of limitations on intrafamilial sexual violence crimes.

Recently, the issue of intrafamilial sexual violence has become a hot topic. A national outcry was sparked by a case in Cheongju, Chungbuk, where a middle school girl and her friend, who were abused and sexually assaulted by their stepfather, took extreme measures, and by a 19-year-old high school student who revealed that she had been forcibly sexually harassed and assaulted dozens of times since upper elementary school but still lives with her biological older brother, the perpetrator. Despite speaking out about their victimization, they had to endure suffering within their families.

Minji finds it regrettable that such issues only become public after death occurs. She said, "Intrafamilial sexual violence is simply portrayed as a heinous crime, a demon, or a beast, and victims are depicted only as suffering from indelible wounds," adding, "Instead of focusing solely on the victims, it is time to examine the structural problems of how these crimes are concealed and remain unknown."

The family circle can become a 'shackle' in cases of intrafamilial sexual violence. In Minji’s case, her family’s 'silencing' was the reason she could not report the abuse sooner. She said, "I first told my mother about the abuse in my senior year of high school, but she said, 'What can we do now?'" She added, "Perpetrators exploit their status as family members to repeatedly commit sexual violence." Economic difficulties also play a role. She said, "It is hard to even imagine achieving economic independence outside the family as a teenager. Even after becoming an adult, these problems do not disappear."

Experts and activists unanimously agree on the need to abolish the statute of limitations for intrafamilial sexual violence and for active intervention by the state and society. According to 2019 statistics from the Korea Sexual Violence Counseling Center, 55.2% (48 cases) of intrafamilial sexual violence victims took more than 10 years to seek counseling at the center. Before consulting the center, 49.4% (43 cases) sought help from people around them, but among the 41 cases of intrafamilial sexual violence counseling, 53.7% (22 cases) who informed others did not receive support. The current statute of limitations for intrafamilial sexual violence is 10 years. Minji pointed out, "Due to its nature, intrafamilial sexual violence often occurs at a young age, and it takes time to report the abuse. If our society defines this issue as an 'indelible wound,' it becomes even harder to disclose the abuse. There is a need to abolish the statute of limitations for intrafamilial sexual violence crimes where the perpetrator is clearly identified."

Attorney Yunmi Jang (Public Relations Director of the Korean Women Lawyers Association) said, "The nature and texture of this issue are different from simply telling victims to 'be brave and report.' Situations where immediate separation from the perpetrator is difficult also occur," adding, "Child and youth protection institutions such as schools must actively provide counseling and connect victims to proactive support."

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