The number of 112 emergency calls reporting child abuse has been increasing every year, with 6,578 cases reported in just the first quarter of this year. This amounts to an average of 73 reports per day. The pattern has changed: while physical abuse was more common in the past, emotional abuse is now rising sharply.

According to police data on "Child Abuse Reports and Arrests Over the Past Five Years," obtained by Asia Economy through a request for information disclosure on May 29, there were 6,578 reports to 112 and 2,861 arrests from January to March of this year.

By year, the number of 112 reports and arrests were as follows: 16,149 reports and 5,551 arrests in 2020; 26,048 reports and 11,572 arrests in 2021; 25,383 reports and 11,970 arrests in 2022; 28,292 reports and 13,015 arrests in 2023; and 29,735 reports and 12,786 arrests in 2024. The number of child deaths from abuse was 43 in 2020, 40 in 2021, 50 in 2022, and 44 in 2023. These figures include deaths from abuse, homicide, and similar causes.

112 Calls Average 73 Cases Per Day
6,578 Cases Reported in the First Quarter of This Year

Insulting Wife in Front of Daughter
Emotional Abuse Including Damage to Door with Blunt Object

Experts Emphasize the Need for 'Parent Education' Photo by Getty Images Bank

Regarding the outcomes of 112 reports, approximately 75% were closed either by referral or on-site resolution. From January to March of this year, there were 3,565 cases closed by referral, 1,351 by on-site resolution, 1,178 by non-dispatch closure, 272 deemed false or mistaken, 207 arrests, 3 classified as other, and 2 closed while en route. Referral closure means the local police conducted an investigation and then handed the case over to the investigation team, the Abuse Prevention Officer (APO), or the local government.

On-site closure is when the police respond and determine the matter is minor, ending the case on the spot. A police official explained, "Referral closure is used in somewhat ambiguous cases," adding, "Even when a case is closed on-site, the APO or the victim protection team will check once more, so there is little difference."

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Looking at the main types of child abuse, physical abuse remains the most common, but emotional abuse is surging. Emotional abuse refers to acts by adults that subject children to verbal insults or emotional threats, and it also applies when children are exposed to marital conflict. Last year, based on cases referred for prosecution, there were 7,258 cases of physical abuse, 3,366 of emotional abuse, 852 of neglect or abandonment, 813 of multiple abuse types, 374 of sexual abuse, 105 classified as other, 11 resulting in death, and 7 homicides. Emotional abuse has increased 5.1 times compared to 653 cases in 2020.

On January 17, the Seoul Central District Court sentenced a defendant, charged with violating the Child Welfare Act (child abuse), to 10 months in prison, suspended for 2 years. On January 24, the Gwangju District Court sentenced another defendant to 1 year and 4 months in prison, suspended for 4 years. In the first case, the defendant hurled insults at his wife in front of their 9-year-old daughter, saying things like, "Don't tell me what to do."

In the second case, the biological father, after a marital argument, thought his 17-year-old son was taking his wife's side and repeatedly struck a door with a blunt object about 30 centimeters long, causing damage. Both courts determined that these acts constituted emotional abuse, harming the mental health and development of the child victims.

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Experts emphasize the need for "parent education." Koo Jungwoo, professor of sociology at Sungkyunkwan University, said, "Recently, more adults are becoming psychologically vulnerable, leading to an increase in parents neglecting their responsibilities. The issue cannot be solved simply by increasing punishment for offenders. Education is needed so that parents are aware that they themselves could commit abuse against their children."

Kim Kihyun, professor of social welfare at Sungkyunkwan University, stated, "Understanding the child victims is important, but preventing abuse requires considering both the main perpetrators?parents?and the family environment. In addition to simple child protection measures, improvements should be sought through parent education."

※The Civil Act has been amended so that even parents do not have the right to physically punish children. Anyone who physically, emotionally, or sexually abuses a child can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. If you suspect child abuse, report it to 112. If you are having difficulty raising or supporting a child, consult 129 (Health and Welfare Counseling Center).