Reported Cases of Dating Violence Double Over 5 Years... Only 4.2% Result in Arrests

227 Murder and Murder Threat Cases in 5 Years
42% Increase in 2030 Perpetrators Over 5 Years

Eunju Lee, Justice Party Member [Image Source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Junyi Park] Reports of 'dating violence,' where partners inflict injury or death, are increasing. The number of reports has more than doubled over the past five years, but only 4.2% of those arrested have been detained.

According to data released on the 20th by Justice Party lawmaker Eunju Lee from the National Police Agency, the number of dating violence reports (including murder, assault, injury, arrest, confinement, and threats) last year was 18,945, more than twice the 9,364 cases reported in 2016.

However, the arrest rate has been declining annually. The arrest rate relative to the number of reports was 96% in 2016 but steadily decreased to 81% in 2017, 61% in 2018, 56% in 2019, and 52% in 2020.

During the same period, a total of 47,528 individuals were arrested for committing dating violence against their partners, of whom 227 were charged with murder or attempted murder.

By age group, offenders in their 20s accounted for the highest proportion. Among the total 59,038 dating violence offenders over the past five years, 20,535 (approximately 34.8%) were in their 20s, followed by those in their 30s (15,158 cases) and 40s (11,370 cases). Notably, offenders in their 20s and 30s increased by 42% over five years.

Social criticism regarding dating violence has intensified following a recent case in an officetel in Mapo-gu, Seoul, where a man in his 30s fatally assaulted his girlfriend during an argument. Related laws are annually stalled or discarded in the National Assembly.

Lawmaker Lee called for institutional improvements. She stated, "In a situation where one is not even detained unless they kill or beat the partner to death, such horrific crimes will inevitably continue," adding, "Strong sanctions and punishments are necessary for dating violence crimes that lead to death."