Incheon City will provide self-reliance support funds to some individuals who do not receive government self-reliance settlement support funds upon leaving sexual violence victim protection facilities. This is the first case among local governments.
On the 9th, the city announced that it plans to support two sexual violence victims aged 19 or older who have lived in protection facilities for more than four months (not supported by national funds) with 5 million won each.
Currently, the self-reliance support fund (5 million won) given by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family to those leaving sexual violence victim protection facilities requires the condition of having entered the facility under the age of 19, lived there for more than one year, and leaving after turning 19 or older.
Because of this, among the 42 people who have left two sexual violence victim protection facilities in the Incheon area since 2019, only 5 (12%) have received the government’s self-reliance settlement support funds. It was found that these individuals used the support funds for deposits, university tuition, monthly rent, and so on.
An official from Incheon City stated, "We have removed the age restriction for admission to broaden the eligibility criteria for government self-reliance settlement support funds to eliminate blind spots and support victims’ independence," adding, "We will continue to provide thorough and strong support so that sexual assault victims can maintain a stable life after leaving protection facilities."
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