In a significant move to strengthen the response to domestic violence in South Korea, the National Assembly passed an amendment to the Domestic Violence Prevention and Victim Protection Act on December 12. The new legislation imposes harsher penalties for perpetrators who refuse police investigations when officers are dispatched to the scene of a reported domestic violence incident. Previously, such refusals without just cause could incur a fine of up to 5 million won, but the amendment increases possible penalties to up to one year in prison or fines of up to 10 million won.

The Gender Equality and Family Committee of the National Assembly highlighted that the lack of cooperation from domestic violence perpetrators severely limits police action during such incidents. The amended law aims to enhance the effectiveness of on-site investigations by ensuring that perpetrators cannot easily obstruct crucial police duties. This legislative change reflects a broader commitment to addressing the issues surrounding domestic violence and protecting potential victims more effectively.

The new regulations will take effect three months after their announcement, applying earlier incidents to the previous law, which has received strong backing from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. Minister Kim Eun-kyung emphasized the importance of this amendment for reinforcing the domestic violence response system in South Korea and pledged cooperation with related organizations to ensure the efficient implementation of these new regulations, aiming for a tangible impact on the ground.