After a long time gathering, hitting back and forth... Family violence increases by 40% during holiday breaks

Average of 891 Cases Received Daily During Holiday Period
41% More Than the Usual Daily Average of 632 Cases

Reports of domestic violence incidents during holiday periods have been found to be 30 to 40% higher than usual. This is attributed to the increased likelihood of conflicts arising from minor slips of the tongue or actions as the entire family gathers together.

On the 15th, Yoo Sang-beom, a member of the People Power Party on the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, analyzed data from the National Police Agency and found that during last year's Lunar New Year holiday (January 21?24), the average daily number of domestic violence reports was 891, which is 41% higher compared to the usual daily average of 632.

The Korea Price Association announced that the cost of a Chuseok ancestral rite table for a family of four at traditional markets this year is 287,100 won, an increase of 9.1% compared to last year. 2024.8.26
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During the same year’s Chuseok and National Foundation Day holidays, which overlapped to create a six-day holiday period (September 28?October 3), the average daily number of reports was 937. This represents a 48% increase compared to normal days.

For this year’s Lunar New Year holiday (February 9?12), the average daily number of reports was 846. Although the annual average daily report numbers have not yet been compiled for an exact comparison, this figure is still 34% higher than last year’s daily average.

Yoo Sang-beom stated, "Since minor misunderstandings and conflicts can escalate into extreme situations, even among close relations, a culture of respect and consideration is necessary."

Meanwhile, reports of child abuse have also shown an increasing trend. During holiday periods, the number of reports rose with the length of the holiday: 325 reports over 5 days in 2021 (average 65 per day), 248 reports over 4 days in 2022 (average 62 per day), and 432 reports over 6 days in 2023 (average 72 per day). The number of arrests related to domestic violence reports during the Chuseok holiday was relatively low, with 209 arrests (4.6%) in 2021, 153 arrests (4.1%) in 2022, and 310 arrests (5.4%) in 2023.

In response, the police are conducting special inspection activities. The Daegu police announced that they will carry out inspections to prevent domestic violence and everyday crimes during the holidays. Abuse prevention officers will monitor 798 households at risk of domestic violence and 108 children who are victims of abuse through phone calls or visits. If a high risk is assessed, these cases will be classified as high-risk groups and responded to promptly in cooperation with local police, the 112 emergency call center, and the women and youth investigation team. For offenders who habitually use weapons or pose a high risk of reoffending, on-the-spot arrests and detention investigations will be considered.

Additionally, the police will intensively crack down on crimes that infringe on everyday life, such as malicious violence and phishing crimes. They will also deploy mobile patrol units and criminal investigation personnel to crowded places vulnerable to crime and businesses handling large amounts of cash to conduct preventive patrols concurrently.