Domestic Violence Consultations Surge from 832 to 1,251 After Chuseok... Emergency Counseling to Continue

Increase in Domestic Violence Consultations After Family Conflicts During Holidays
Average Daily Consultations at 1366 Center Rose by 50% Last Year
Ministry of Gender Equality and Family: "Emergency Counseling System to Operate Throughout the Chuseok Holiday"

After the Chuseok holiday last year, reports of domestic violence consultations increased by approximately 50%. As this trend of rising domestic violence inquiries after family conflicts during the holidays continues, the government has decided to maintain its emergency counseling system even during the holiday period.

On September 11, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced that during the Chuseok holiday, the 1366 Women’s Emergency Hotline will operate 24 hours a day, and the emergency counseling and protection system for victims of domestic violence will be maintained.

Last year, the 1366 Center received an average of 832 counseling requests per day, but that number jumped to 1,251 cases right after the Chuseok holiday, representing an increase of about 50.4%.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family will ensure that anyone experiencing domestic violence or in need of emergency assistance can access 24/7 consultations through the 1366 hotline. Emergency shelters will also be available for temporary protection. Furthermore, 121 domestic violence counseling centers across the country will offer counseling services and respond to reports of abuse.

Victims in need of immediate escape or personal safety can use the 63 domestic violence victim protection facilities nationwide. Admission is possible following a consultation, regardless of whether the police have been notified or the perpetrator has been formally charged.

Support for victims and accompanying children goes beyond accommodation and meals, encompassing escort to investigations, assistance with legal counseling and lawsuits, job referrals and vocational training, coordination with medical institutions and medical expenses, as well as confidential transfer of accompanying children to other schools.

After leaving the protection facility, victims receive further support for independence. Victims who have stayed in a facility for more than four months are eligible for independence support funds—5 million won per victim and 2.5 million won per accompanying child. If independent housing is required, the 'Violence Victim Housing Support Rental Program' offers full support for the rental deposit. Victims can then reside stably for up to six years while preparing for self-reliance.

Additional measures are in place to prevent secondary harm, such as the exposure of victims’ addresses or personal information to perpetrators during administrative procedures or lawsuits. Victims may apply for restricted access to residence registration and family relationship certificates, changes to their resident registration number, preemptive consent to electronic litigation, and restrictions on access to court records.

Minister Won Min-kyung stated, "Going forward, we will do our utmost to ensure swift provision of necessary support, from emergency counseling to admission into protection facilities, through close cooperation with local governments, the police, and victim support organizations."

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