"Helping Vulnerable Households"... Gangbuk-gu Operates 'Sonamu Center'

Customized Service Connection and Provision by Integrated Case Managers and Others

Scene of a case meeting at the Sonamu Center. Provided by Gangbuk-gu.

Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Lee Soon-hee) announced on the 10th that it is providing practical support by operating the 'Gangbuk-gu Sonamu Center' to assist families in crisis due to domestic violence.

Established in June 2020 through cooperation between Gangbuk-gu and the Gangbuk Police Station, the Gangbuk-gu Sonamu Center aims to detect and intervene early in domestic violence cases, enhancing the response capabilities of victims and the local community. The center works to prevent recurrence of harm, help family members restore their daily lives, and strives to create a community free from domestic violence.

The center employs a total of eight staff members, including the center director, a responsible officer, an integrated case manager, two counselors, and three Abuse Prevention Officers (APOs). An integrated case manager is exclusively assigned to increase professional expertise in handling cases.

Every Wednesday, the center holds case meetings to reclassify new cases and monitor existing ones, providing tailored services to the individuals involved. As of September, a total of 32 case meetings have been held, facilitating over 410 service connections. In emergency situations reported by the police involving families in crisis, Abuse Prevention Officers and integrated case managers visit together to provide initial response.

District Mayor Lee Soon-hee stated, "Our district is continuously working closely with the Gangbuk Police Station to create a safe community free from domestic violence and abuse issues," adding, "We will do our best to strengthen the safety net to detect and prevent families in crisis, especially those in blind spots, at an early stage."