During a National Assembly audit of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, issues surrounding victim protection measures for relationship crimes such as stalking and dating violence, as well as the abolition of prosecutorial supplementary investigation authority, emerged as key topics. Lawmakers from both parties called for enhanced victim protection measures in light of reforms to the criminal justice system, while also engaging in a heated debate over next year's budget for the ministry.
On October 28, during the audit, Lee Soo-jin, a member of the Democratic Party, referenced recent incidents, including the murder case in Songpa District, Seoul, and the revenge killing of a woman who reported stalking in Jeju, urging for stronger proactive protection measures for victims of dating violence. Fellow party member Lee Yeon-hee also argued for legal amendments to extend protection to third parties who are not directly related to the perpetrator.
The People Power Party raised concerns about potential investigative shortcomings resulting from the abolition of prosecutorial supplementary investigation authority. Lawmaker Kang Sun-young suggested conducting a gender impact assessment to evaluate the effects on female victims. Minister of Gender Equality and Family Won Min-kyung explained that she acknowledged past criticisms of inadequate police investigations, stating, "I want to emphasize that the police are making efforts compared to the past."
Kim Jung-jae, chair of the Gender Equality Committee, stressed that the issue of victim protection following the abolition of supplementary investigation authority should not be politicized. He noted, "The extent to which women, especially youth and socially vulnerable individuals, are exposed to actual harm is much more serious," calling for thorough government review.
The differing perspectives on next year's budget were also evident. The People Power Party criticized the use of future response funds for the marriage support grant, arguing it contradicts the fund's intended purpose. In contrast, the Democratic Party contended that since the fund is aimed at addressing demographic changes, it should be actively utilized for child and family welfare.
However, both parties expressed concern over the reduction of the national subsidy rate for the child care support program from 70% to 50%. The Democratic Party pointed out that the financial burden of essential welfare programs should not be shifted to local governments, while the People Power Party emphasized the need for budget adjustments to uphold national responsibility.
The poor operational conditions of support agencies for female violence victims, such as the Women’s Emergency Hotline 1366 and the Sunflower Center, were also highlighted. Lawmakers from both parties called for increased funding for these agencies, with some proposing a joint press conference to demand budget support.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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