Daegu City Council's 'Stalking Victim Support Ordinance' Passes Standing Committee... Proposed by Councilor Jeong Il-gyun

Jeong Il-gyun, a member of the Daegu Metropolitan Council (People Power Party, Suseong-gu 1), who is the chief proposer, had the “Daegu Metropolitan City Ordinance on the Prevention of Stalking Crimes and Support for Victims - Complete Amendment Ordinance” pass the agenda review at the Culture and Welfare Committee meeting held on the 13th.

The complete amendment bill, proposed by Councilor Jeong Il-gyun, was prepared to systematically provide support for stalking victims by reorganizing the terms in the ordinance to align with the higher law following the new enforcement of the “Act on the Prevention of Stalking and Protection of Victims” (Stalking Prevention Act) from July 2023, and by expanding the scope of support targets.

Jeong Il-gyun, Daegu City Council Member

The existing ordinance, enacted in 2021 based on the “Act on the Punishment of Stalking Crimes” (Stalking Punishment Act), was criticized for focusing mainly on punishing perpetrators and having limitations in terms of protecting and supporting victims and preventing stalking.

The amended ordinance changes the title to “Daegu Metropolitan City Ordinance on Stalking Prevention and Protection of Victims,” and stipulates the establishment of implementation plans for stalking prevention and protection/support of victims, the creation of cooperative systems with related organizations, agencies, and experts, the promotion of support projects, and the conduct of stalking prevention education.

Councilor Jeong Il-gyun said, “Due to the nature of stalking crimes, there is a high likelihood of escalation to serious crimes such as murder, so preventive measures and victim protection are more important than post-crime punishment. Through this ordinance, I hope to establish an effective protection and support system for stalking victims and their families and contribute to making Daegu a safe city free from stalking.”

Stalking crimes are continuously increasing and often escalate into serious crimes or extend to harm against family members, making it necessary for the government and local governments to actively prepare countermeasures.