518 Jinjo Committee and City Request Support for Victims in 8th Compensation Procedure
Preventing Repeated Investigation n-th Victimization... Proposal to Share Jinjo Committee Records
The 5·18 Special Committee of the Gwangju Metropolitan Council (Chairperson Jeong Da-eun) officially proposed to the 5·18 Truth Investigation Commission and Gwangju Metropolitan City to ensure thorough protection of the rights of victims during the ongoing ‘8th Compensation Procedure for 5·18 Victims.’
The special committee requested that, to prevent secondary victimization of sexual violence victims during the 5·18 incident and to facilitate procedural convenience for victims, investigations during the compensation review process be minimized by adopting the victim rights protection system used in criminal litigation procedures.
Repeatedly investigating crime victims about the facts of the crime can trigger mental distress reminiscent of the original trauma, posing a very high risk of secondary victimization. This request was inspired by the criminal litigation procedure, which permits repetitive victim investigations only in unavoidable cases.
Accordingly, the special committee proposed to both organizations that, for applicants of the ‘8th Compensation’ who have completed investigations by the Truth Investigation Commission, the Gwangju Compensation Review Committee should utilize the commission’s records in the review process to minimize supplementary investigations.
Additionally, the committee suggested that the Truth Investigation Commission actively encourage victims to apply for the 8th compensation and provide guidance on the ‘psychological and legal support procedures for sexual violence victims’ that the special committee is preparing.
Meanwhile, the special committee is preparing psychological and procedural support for 5·18 sexual violence victims through professional support organizations such as the Gwangju-Jeonnam branch of the Lawyers for a Democratic Society (Minbyun), the public interest lawyer group Donghaeng, and the Gwangju-Jeonnam Women’s Association (Yeoyeon).
Many sexual violence victims find it difficult to disclose past trauma after many years, and some victims are illiterate, making access to administrative and judicial procedures practically challenging. Considering these factors, the special committee, professional support organizations, and Gwangju Metropolitan City plan to establish and support a victim assistance system through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The estimated number of 5·18 sexual violence victims applying for compensation is about 40, including approximately 20 who have completed investigations by the Truth Investigation Commission. As of the 30th, eight sexual violence victims have submitted compensation applications.
Chairperson Jeong Da-eun stated, “If the records shared by the Truth Investigation Commission can be utilized in the compensation process, investigations of victims can be minimized, preventing administrative and budget waste and allowing the compensation procedure to be completed promptly,” adding, “We expect active cooperation from the Truth Investigation Commission.”
She also added, “It is natural for the Gwangju community to establish an active system to protect and honor senior citizens who participated in the democratization movement, but I apologize for having to limit procedural support targets to sexual violence victims due to practical issues.”
Gwangju Metropolitan City is accepting applications for the 8th compensation from July until December 31, based on the ‘Act on Compensation for Persons Related to the 5·18 Democratization Movement.’
Eligible for compensation are the bereaved families of those who died or went missing during the 5·18 incident, those injured or wounded, those who died from injuries, those who were wanted, arrested, or detained, those who received dismissal, guilty verdicts, acquittals, or disciplinary actions such as dismissal or academic penalties, and sexual violence victims.
To apply for compensation, applicants can download the application form from the notice section on the Gwangju Metropolitan City website and submit it in person or by mail to the 5·18 Democracy Division.
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