"Protecting the Golden Hour for Sexual Violence Victims"...A Visit to the Seoul Sunflower Center

Opened in Jongno-gu in 2010: One-Stop Support Services
Emergency Kits Used to Secure Perpetrator DNA in Sexual Violence Cases
From Initial Response to Follow-Up Care: Coordinated Efforts with Hospitals and Police

The Seoul Sunflower Center in Jongno-gu, which was visited on the 10th, is an integrated support institution that provides counseling, medical, legal, and psychological assistance to victims of sexual violence, domestic violence, and sex trafficking—all in one location. Opened in 2010, the center operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Police officers and lawyers are stationed onsite, and various medical services are offered free of charge in partnership with Seoul National University Hospital.

Shim Hyunji, a nurse from the Medical Support Team at the Seoul Sunflower Center, is demonstrating the process of using an emergency kit for sexual violence victims on the 10th. Provided by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family

Jung Myungshin, administrative director of the Seoul Sunflower Center, explained, "Victims can feel assured receiving help from the initial response through to follow-up support. In particular, securing early statements and collecting forensic evidence is possible, which strengthens the protection of victims' legal rights." The center operates based on a four-party agreement among the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, local governments, local police agencies, and the commissioned hospital, under the Act on the Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence. Its hallmark is relieving victims of the burden of repeatedly visiting multiple institutions or giving the same statements several times.

The origin of the Sunflower Center dates back to a 2003 incident in which a four-year-old child who suffered sexual violence was left without any support for 35 hours. At that time, several hospitals refused to provide care, underscoring the need for integrated support. Currently, there are a total of 41 Sunflower Centers nationwide, including 18 crisis support centers, 7 child-focused centers, and 16 integrated centers.

Director Jung stressed, "Victims often don't know 'what should I do?' or 'where should I seek help?' Emergency measures taken within the golden hour after an incident are extremely important. That is one of the reasons why integrated support centers exist."

Time is also critical in the process of securing the perpetrator's DNA from the victim's body. Sim Hyunji, a nurse from the Medical Support Team at the Seoul Sunflower Center, explained, "We use the emergency kit to collect evidence within 72 hours of the incident." DNA is collected as much as possible through a 12-step process, including checking underwear, fingernails, genitals, and oral samples. Activities such as showering, brushing teeth, and urination require caution due to the risk of evidence loss.

Front view of the main building of the Seoul Sunflower Center located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Provided by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family

To ensure initial statements are accurate, a statement assistant participates in the investigation process for victims who have difficulty communicating. Specialist interpreters are assigned to foreign victims, and support is provided in cooperation with organizations such as counseling centers for migrant women. Victims of child abuse or intellectual disabilities can testify in a stable environment in the center's 'video witness interview room' instead of appearing in court.

Last year, about 1,900 people visited the Seoul Sunflower Center. Staffing shortages remain an ongoing challenge for the center. Director Jung emphasized, "A high level of expertise is required in all areas, including counseling, psychology, and medical care, but the treatment is poor and the recruitment shortage is severe. It is especially difficult for regional centers to secure personnel. The structure makes it hard to sustain operations on a sense of duty alone," highlighting the need for improvement.

Meanwhile, the total number of users of Sunflower Centers nationwide last year was 24,755. Of these, 70.8% were victims of sexual violence, followed by domestic violence (16.7%), dating violence (0.8%), stalking (0.7%), and sex trafficking (0.6%).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.