Paju City Expands Eligibility for Self-Sufficiency Support for Victims of Prostitution

Two More Added to Self-Sufficiency Support List
Total Number of Beneficiaries Reaches 17

Paju City in Gyeonggi Province announced on July 25 that it held a 'Self-Sufficiency Support Committee for Victims of Prostitution and Others' on July 23 and made a final decision to provide self-sufficiency support for two new applicants. As a result, the total number of victims of prostitution and others who have received self-sufficiency support from Paju City has increased to 17.

Paju City Hall exterior. Provided by Paju City

The 'Paju City Ordinance on Self-Sufficiency Support for Victims of Prostitution and Others' recently underwent a revision, removing the previous restriction that limited eligibility to those affected 'from one year before the ordinance’s enforcement date to the enforcement date.'

As a result, not only past victims but also those identified after the ordinance was enacted are now able to apply for self-sufficiency support. The two women selected this time are the first beneficiaries since the ordinance was revised.

If a victim of prostitution wishes to receive self-sufficiency support, the decision is made through a review by the 'Self-Sufficiency Support Committee,' which is composed of relevant experts. Selected individuals can receive up to 50.2 million won in total over a maximum of two years, including living expenses, housing support, and vocational training expenses. If the recipient has children under the age of 18, an additional 100,000 won per month in living expenses is also provided.

Through this ordinance revision and the committee's decision, Paju City has strengthened the institutional foundation to eliminate blind spots for women leaving prostitution and to help those who wish to become self-reliant reintegrate into society in a stable manner. In fact, the number of people eligible for self-sufficiency support has been steadily increasing in recent years.

Kim Kyoungil, Mayor of Paju City, stated, "The city will stand by the victims until the end so that they can escape stigma and anxiety and move toward independence and recovery," and added, "We will continue to listen to voices in the field and develop practical support policies."

Meanwhile, Paju City provides support for living expenses, housing, and vocational training to self-sufficiency support recipients and connects them to various resources so that victims who have decided to leave prostitution can safely become self-reliant in society.

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