The number of counseling sessions provided to victims of domestic violence jumped by 15.6 percent from 137,560 in 2014 to 159,081 in 2015. Domestic violence accounted for 58 percent of the total counseling sessions. (image: Pixabay)
SEOUL, August 3 (Korea Bizwire) – According to a report published by the Women’s Human Rights Commission of Korea (WHRCK) on August 2, while the number of violence acts committed against women increased by 3.1 percent from 265,792 in 2014 to 274,226 in 2015, the increase in reported dating violence against women was ten times higher, at 31.7 percent over the same period.
“Dating violence usually occurs in intimate relationships, and is very similar to family or domestic violence. As such, stricter legal action should be taken against perpetrators, and protection and preventative measures must be provided to potential victims, in this case women,” said an official from the WHRCK.
The emergency shelters operated by 18 ‘1366 Women’s Call Centers’ across the country also admitted 10,175 new victims, which was 16.2 percent higher than the 8,754 in 2015.
The ‘1366 Women’s Call Center’ is a 24/7 emergency hotline for women who are exposed to violence and crimes including domestic violence, sexual violence, and prostitution. Women can receive emergency assistance by simply dialing 1366.
“The increase in the number of counseling requests is deemed to have resulted from the government’s attempt to eradicate society’s ‘four evils’, or social problems, with different approaches and tactics being implemented by related departments and agencies. In addition, the public is becoming more conscious of the seriousness of domestic violence through widespread awareness campaigns,” said a WHRCK official.
By Nonnie Kim (nkim@koreabizwire.com)
