Family-Based Sexual Counseling for the Month of Family
Reducing Worries and Concerns, Enhancing Communication and Empathy
Strengthening Expertise in Digital Sexual Violence Prevention
Improving Response to Various Sexual Concerns
Nowon District in Seoul (District Mayor Oh Seungrok) announced that it is working to promote the sexual rights of youth through the Nowon Youth Sexual Counseling Center.
The Nowon Youth Sexual Counseling Center (hereafter referred to as the Center), which was established in 2021 as the first of its kind among basic local governments nationwide, recorded 9,160 counseling cases (including group counseling and education) in 2024, establishing itself as an essential institution for local youth. The Center has focused on "sexual counseling," which was previously lacking as youth cultural facilities increased, and has also provided support for victims of sexual violence.
The Center specializes in a range of functions, including: ▲ individual and group sexual counseling ▲ sexual human rights education ▲ development and distribution of sexual counseling manuals ▲ sexual human rights consulting for youth organizations and schools.
In May, the Month of Family, the Center is running a family sex education program called "Eye Contact Sex Story" for elementary school students in grades 4 to 6 who are entering puberty and their families. This program, offered free of charge every Saturday for a month, received applications from 50 families in just two days, closing early and demonstrating high interest.
According to the district, in last year's counseling statistics by topic, counseling on sexual violence and sexual knowledge accounted for the highest proportions at 28.2% and 24.2%, respectively. Counseling related to digital sexuality followed at 14%. In particular, cases in the digital field are on the rise, in line with recent social trends.
In response, the Center is strengthening digital sexual violence prevention education in educational programs for children, youth, caregivers, and families. On May 17, a campaign against digital sexual violence and deepfakes will also be held at Eunhaeng Sageori in Junggye-dong.
At the same time, the Center continues to operate a training program for "Youth Peer Counselors," enabling youth to share openly with their peers and helping to spread accurate sexual culture and knowledge. Peer counselors are effective in lowering the psychological burden on those seeking counseling, making it easier to identify cases and intervene in crisis situations.
The Center is located at the Onmaeul Center in Junggye-dong, and counseling can be requested through various channels, including phone, email, and KakaoTalk. Counseling is free for Nowon residents.
District Mayor Oh Seungrok stated, "Sexuality is an essential human right for youth to lead a dignified and autonomous life," adding, "We will continue to provide professional programs that can help both youth with concerns and guardians with worries."
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