Gender Equality Minister Calls for End to Victim-Consent Waiver in Domestic Violence Cases
Gender Equality Minister Won Min-kyong urged the removal of a legal clause that prevents punishing domestic abuse offenders when victims oppose prosecution.
Won Min-kyong said one outlet provision allowing authorities to forgo punishment if a victim objects undermines protection against domestic violence. She argued the rule enables perpetrators to pressure victims into dropping cases. In a YouTube interview, Won noted that President Lee Jae Myung shares her stance. The same exemption was previously eliminated for stalking offenses in June 2023.
Why it matters
Removing the clause could strengthen protection for domestic violence victims and reduce offender intimidation.
In this story
domestic violencevictim consent clauselegal reformSouth Koreaprotective legislation
