57 Cases of Military Sexual Violence Reported Within 20 Days

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Since the Ministry of National Defense began operating a special military sexual violence reporting period on the 3rd, 57 reports of sexual crimes have been received so far. Among these, 20 cases have been referred for investigation, revealing the seriousness of sexual crimes within the military.

According to a Ministry of National Defense official on the 23rd, the Ministry has referred 20 cases for investigation among the reported victim cases. Additionally, 17 cases have been requested for audits within the respective military units, and depending on the results, there is a high possibility that these will also be converted into investigations. Although the initial deadline for reports was set for the 16th, the reporting period was extended until the 30th after concerns were raised that two weeks was insufficient.

The military authorities plan to strictly punish perpetrators according to laws and regulations through investigations and audits.

Looking at last year alone, there were 771 cases of sexual violence within the military, averaging 64 cases per month. Most female victims were non-commissioned officers and civilian employees with less than five years of service, while male perpetrators were senior non-commissioned officers and field-grade officers. Recently, a colonel belonging to an army unit was removed from duty on charges of sexually harassing four subordinate female soldiers.

Some critics argue that the current military sexual grievance counseling system does not encourage active reporting of victimization. They claim that when victims report to their unit superiors, staff officers, or sexual grievance counselors, confidentiality is not guaranteed. Therefore, there are calls to operate a confidential reporting channel (including email) directly to the Ministry of National Defense without going through the affiliated unit at all times.