South Korea strengthens protection for gender-based violence victims

South Korea’s Ministry of Gender Equality and Family is strengthening its support and protection systems for victims of gender-based violence following changes to the Criminal Procedure Act. Minister Won Min-kyung announced measures to ensure victims do not face judicial blind spots or lose access to essential rights during the updated legal processes.

A key component of this initiative is the distribution of the ‘Gender-Based Violence Victim Rights Check 10,’ a guide designed to help victims understand their current legal standing, what rights they can exercise, and where to seek assistance. The guide covers critical stages including initial consultation, investigation assistance, personal protection, and appeals against non-indictment decisions.

The Ministry is also expanding free legal aid. Support for lawyers assisting victims during the investigation and first-instance trial stages will increase from 1.5 million won to 2.5 million won. Additionally, the Ministry plans to double the number of professionals receiving specialized training on preventing secondary victimization and stalking from 2,500 people this year to 5,000 next year. To monitor the effectiveness of these measures, a public-private cooperation task force will be established to oversee the entire process from case reception to trial.