Digital Sexual Crime Victims 'Restless'... Centers Leave Weekend Counseling Unattended

Only Connecting with Local Counseling Centers
Confusion Arises Due to Different Responsible Departments by Support Type

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] Kim Gayoung (27, pseudonym) inquired about the "sexual crime victim support fund" on the website of the Digital Sexual Crime Victim Support Center under the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family on the weekend of the 8th. Although responses were available in real time, the content was somewhat absurd. The center said, "It is difficult for us to answer parts we are not aware of," adding, "We do not know the maximum support amount per person."

Kim made the inquiry after seeing that the Digital Sexual Crime Victim Support Center claimed to offer counseling "365 days, 24 hours." However, it was confirmed that the center only connects individuals to local sexual violence counseling centers. A center official also stated, "Counseling regarding victim support funds is not possible," and "Counseling must be received at local sexual violence counseling centers from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays."

Kim said, "Digital sexual crimes have already become a social issue, and each ministry has promised crime prevention and victim support, but the words and actions differ, which is bitter." Support from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and the Ministry of Justice varies. Currently, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family is responsible for deleting digital sexual crime footage, while the Ministry of Justice handles victim support funds. Most victims experience confusion due to different support channels.

Professor Lee Woonghyuk of Konkuk University's Department of Police Science said, "The slogan of 24-hour counseling has become meaningless," adding, "Since crimes occur regardless of weekdays or weekends, a continuous support system must be maintained." He also stated, "There is a need to establish a one-stop crime victim solution system that can integrate support systems from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the Ministry of Justice, the National Police Agency, and others."

Currently, the Crime Victim Support Center provides up to 500,000 won per person for living expenses. Han Donghoon, nominee for Minister of Justice, indicated the possibility of increasing support funds in written answers submitted to the National Assembly for the confirmation hearing, stating, "I agree that digital sexual crime victims sometimes cannot engage in economic activities due to exposure of personal information caused by the crime, and that strengthening economic support such as living expenses is necessary."

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