Under new regulations, minor victims of sexual violence will be allowed to stay in protective facilities until they turn 25, receiving support for recovery, counseling, and independence.
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced that the revised enforcement decree of the "Act on the Prevention of Sexual Violence and Protection of Victims" was approved during a cabinet meeting on June 2.
This revision aligns with the implementation of the amended law, which passed the National Assembly in December of last year. The new regulations will take effect on July 1.
The changes aim to ensure that minor victims in protective facilities have adequate time for recovery and preparation for independent living, while also enhancing support for their education and reintegration into society.
According to the revised law, victims who were minors at the time of their admission can extend their stay in facilities until they reach 25, regardless of the type of facility.
Previously, victims in general protective facilities could stay for a maximum of 4 years and 6 months, while those in special support facilities could remain until the age of 21, and those in independent living support facilities could stay for up to 4 years. This often forced victims to leave before they were fully prepared for recovery or independence.
Now, they will have continued access to stable protection, counseling, and support for independence.
Additionally, absences from school due to treatment and counseling for sexual violence will be recognized as attendance. School principals can consider the opinions of experts in sexual violence when determining whether to count these absences as excused.
The decree also clarifies the procedures for background checks on staff at support facilities for sexual violence victims, including counseling centers, protective facilities, integrated support centers, and digital crime victim support centers.
Lee Kyung-sook, head of the Gender Equality Policy Office, stated, "This revision of the enforcement decree strengthens the institutional framework to ensure that minor victims of sexual violence can prepare for independence with adequate protection and recovery support. We will continue to enhance victim protection policies based on field needs."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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