South Korea reports 10% increase in disability abuse reports

According to the 2025 Disability Abuse Status Report released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Central Disability Rights Advocacy Agency, reports of disability abuse in South Korea rose to 6,608 cases last year, a 9.6% increase from the previous year. Of these, 3,375 cases (51.1%) were classified as suspected abuse.

Of the cases officially determined to be abuse, 1,505 were confirmed. The most common perpetrators were family members or relatives (38.5%), followed closely by acquaintances and others (38.1%). Most abuse occurred at the victim's residence (47.6%) or in welfare facilities (12.8%).

Developmental disabilities, including intellectual and autistic disabilities, accounted for 76.2% of victims. Physical abuse was the most frequent type, followed by emotional abuse and economic exploitation. Notably, labor exploitation cases increased by 9.5%, with 75.3% of those victims being individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Reports from the victims themselves increased by 31.7%, which officials attribute to rising public awareness regarding disability rights. To strengthen enforcement, an amendment to the Disability Welfare Act will take effect next February, increasing the maximum fine for mandatory reporters who fail to report abuse or sexual crimes from 3 million won to 10 million won.