Mandatory Reporting of Sexual Harassment by Heads of Public Institutions to Be Introduced...Plan to Reflect in Institutional Evaluations

May 12 Committee Meeting on the Prevention of Violence Against Women...

Enhanced Response Measures in the Public Sector

Retaliation Prohibited Against Those Assisting Victims

Deadline for Submitting Recurrence Prevention Plans Shortened from Three Months to One Month

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family is pushing forward a plan to reflect the results of inspections on the prevention measures against sexual harassment and sexual violence at public institutions in the assessment of such institutions. In addition, if the head of an institution is the perpetrator of a sexual harassment or sexual violence case, the incident must be reported to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family regardless of the victim's wishes.

On May 12, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family held the 16th Meeting of the Committee for the Prevention of Violence Against Women at the Seoul Government Complex and, after discussions with relevant ministries, established and announced the "Measures to Strengthen Response to Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence in the Public Sector."

This set of measures is comprised of three main pillars: strengthening the accountability of institutions, enhancing the response to cases involving institution heads, and reinforcing the role of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.

First, to strengthen the accountability of public institutions, there are plans to reflect the results of the Ministry's inspections on the prevention measures against sexual harassment and sexual violence in the evaluations of public institutions and universities.

Additionally, the Ministry will establish grounds for the creation and operation of sexual harassment and sexual violence grievance review committees and will enhance training for committee members to improve the professionalism of case handling. In the defense sector, the participation of civilian members with voting rights on disciplinary committees will be made mandatory to ensure objectivity and fairness.

Protective measures for victims will also be expanded. Previously, only retaliation against victims was prohibited, but from now on, those who assist victims will also be protected, thereby strengthening the foundation for encouraging reports of violations.

The response to cases involving institution heads will be significantly strengthened as well. If the head of an institution is the perpetrator of a sexual harassment or sexual violence case, it will become mandatory to report the incident to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family regardless of the victim's wishes.

For sexual harassment cases involving institution heads, the deadline for submitting measures to prevent recurrence will be shortened from three months to one month, as is already the case for sexual violence incidents. The scope of institution head cases will also be expanded from heads of central administrative agencies, provincial governors, and superintendents of education to include heads of public organizations affiliated with the government.

If public institutions fail to report sexual harassment cases or do not submit measures to prevent recurrence, the same correction orders and fines that apply to sexual violence cases can be imposed. Furthermore, institutions required to make corrections or improvements as a result of on-site inspections must submit their implementation plans and results without exception.

In addition, legal grounds will be established for the workplace sexual harassment and sexual violence reporting center that has been operated within the public sector. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family will be able to request investigations and corrective action from institutions where incidents occur, and if these actions are insufficient, the Ministry plans to expand its authority to conduct direct on-site inspections and take further action as necessary.