Enactment of the "Stalking Victim Protection Act" Approved... Support for Victims' Families Also Possible

Support for Families as Well as Victims Specified
Up to 3 Years Imprisonment for Disadvantageous Measures Such as Dismissal
Provision for School Transfer Outside Registered Address Established

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol reiterated his pledge to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, stating, "Isn't it time for the ministry to fulfill its historical mission?" Meanwhile, on the 14th, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family at the Government Seoul Office, facing a crossroads regarding its existence, is stirring unrest amid a restless atmosphere. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

The 'Stalking Victim Protection Act,' which explicitly includes stalking victims and their families as subjects for prevention support, will be enacted.

On the 26th, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced that the bill on the prevention of stalking and protection of victims was reviewed and approved at the Cabinet meeting. The ministry plans to submit the bill to the National Assembly within this month, aiming for its passage within the year.

The bill stipulates that crime prevention support can be extended not only to the stalking perpetrators but also to their families. The Stalking Punishment Act, which came into effect in October last year, distinguishes between stalking acts and stalking crimes and defines those directly harmed by stalking crimes as 'victims.'

The bill prohibits disadvantageous measures such as dismissal against stalking victims or reporters to ensure their stable economic activities. Those who take disadvantageous actions, violate confidentiality, or obstruct duties during on-site stalking investigations may face criminal penalties or fines. Disadvantageous measures carry penalties of up to three years imprisonment or fines up to 30 million KRW; confidentiality violations can result in up to one year imprisonment or fines up to 10 million KRW; and obstruction of duties such as refusal of on-site investigations can incur fines up to 10 million KRW.

To enable victims and their families to continue their education, the bill also specifies grounds for school admission or transfer to areas outside their registered address. The state or local governments may establish and operate stalking victim support facilities, which will handle stalking report reception, counseling, protection, and lodging services. The state and local governments must provide housing and self-reliance support, revise related laws, and establish and implement various policies. Additionally, stalking surveys and prevention education can be conducted every three years.

Since the enactment of the Stalking Punishment Act in April last year, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has supported victims by utilizing domestic violence facilities to prevent gaps in victim protection. The number of stalking counseling cases through the Women's Emergency Call 1366 reached 2,710 last year, more than double the 1,294 cases two years ago. After the enforcement of the Stalking Punishment Act, the average daily number of reports increased from 24 to 105.

Minister Jeong Young-ae of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family stated, "With the enactment of the law, the state's responsibility for stalking victims will be clearly established, and systematic support for victims will be strengthened."

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