The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family in South Korea has announced the consolidation of multiple reporting channels for victims of digital sex crimes into a single platform to enhance support and accessibility.
On the 23rd, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family in South Korea revealed plans to unify various reporting channels for digital sex crime victims into a single, accessible platform. This initiative aims to simplify the reporting process for victims of digital sexual exploitation, offering a 'one-stop integrated website' to enable victims, their representatives, and third parties to report incidents easily. The integration is part of a broader effort that was previously outlined in a government task force report on strengthening responses to deepfake crimes in November last year, which focuses on enhancing victim support.
In addition to the unification of the reporting platforms, the ministry also plans to increase the number of regional support centers for victims of digital sex crimes (referred to as 'digital crime support centers'). This year, the government will add one more support center, increasing the total from 15 to 16 across the country, and enhance the resources at these centers by adding more specialized staff, thereby increasing the workforce from two to three personnel per center, totaling 48 across 16 provinces excluding Seoul. This move is intended to create a more effective support structure for victims by improving collaboration between central and regional centers, as well as providing real-time assistance and resources through the new integrated website.
Minister of Gender Equality and Family, Won Min-kyung, emphasized the importance of community-based recovery for victims of digital sex crimes, stating that although these crimes occur online, healing and support should be accessible in local environments. She asserted the ministry's commitment to establishing a cohesive response system centered on the integrated website, aiming to empower regional support centers to become core institutions for handling digital sex crime cases effectively. The initiative not only aims to bolster existing support mechanisms but also to create a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for victims seeking help in their recovery from digital sexual abuse.
