Victims of violent crimes, such as murder and robbery, will now have access to professional legal assistance from public defenders starting from the initial stages of investigations.
On June 24, the Ministry of Justice announced that the revised Special Act on the Punishment of Specific Violent Crimes and the amended regulations regarding the selection of public defenders by prosecutors will be enacted today.
Previously, the public defender system for victims was limited to certain crimes, including sexual violence, child abuse, and stalking. As a result, victims of serious violent crimes, who suffer significant harm to their lives and bodies, have often found themselves navigating complex criminal procedures without legal support, highlighting a persistent gap in legal protections.
With the implementation of this amendment, victims of violent crimes can receive assistance from public defenders right after the crime occurs, during the initial investigation phase. Public defenders will accompany victims during police and prosecutor interrogations, assist with their statements, and advocate for their rights throughout the criminal process. This initiative is expected to help prevent secondary victimization that may arise during investigations and trials.
The application process for support is straightforward. Victims of violent crimes or their legal representatives can request public defender assistance when reporting the crime to law enforcement agencies, such as police stations or prosecutors' offices. Additionally, applications can also be made through relevant counseling centers or victim support services.
Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho stated, "Through this expansion of the system, victims suffering from unexpected violent crimes will not have to face legal challenges alone. We will ensure that we create a criminal justice system centered on protecting victims' rights through professional legal assistance."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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