The Tragedy Behind Festive Holidays: Over 400 More Daily Domestic Violence Reports Than Usual

More Than 400 Additional Cases Per Day Compared to Usual
Police Conduct Comprehensive Investigations of Households at Risk of Repeat Offenses

The number of domestic violence reports received during last year's Chuseok holiday period increased by more than 60% compared to usual. As reports of such violence continue to rise every holiday season, the police have decided to conduct comprehensive investigations and strengthen patrols targeting high-risk groups.

The number of domestic violence reports received during last year's Chuseok holiday period increased by more than 60% compared to usual.

According to data submitted by the National Police Agency to Yang Bunam, a member of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, a total of 5,246 domestic violence reports were received nationwide through the 112 emergency number during the five-day Chuseok holiday in 2023 (September 14-18). This amounts to an average of 1,049 cases per day, which is a 61.8% increase compared to the daily average of 648 cases for all domestic violence reports in 2023.

Domestic violence reports have been increasing during every holiday period. During the five-day Chuseok holiday in 2021, there were 4,568 reports (an average of 914 per day); during the four-day Chuseok holiday in 2022, there were 3,660 reports (915 per day); and during the six-day Chuseok holiday in 2023, there were 5,623 reports (937 per day). Last year, even though the holiday period was only five days, the average number of daily reports surpassed 1,000 for the first time.

By region, the southern part of Gyeonggi Province had the highest number of reports at 1,103, followed by Seoul with 933, northern Gyeonggi Province with 482, Busan with 364, Incheon with 355, South Gyeongsang Province with 323, and Daegu with 287.

Holiday periods are cited as a cause for the rise in domestic violence, as they bring families together after a long time, creating an environment where conflicts are more likely to surface. In particular, the combination of alcohol consumption, financial disputes, and caregiving burdens often intensifies these conflicts.

Taking into account the high recidivism rate of relationship-based crimes, the police are focusing on preemptive measures for high-risk groups before and after the Chuseok holiday. They are conducting comprehensive investigations into households with a high likelihood of repeat offenses, as well as individuals with a history of child abuse or violence reports. In addition, mobile patrol units and local police are being deployed to strengthen patrols, especially in areas with frequent reports.

An official from the National Police Agency emphasized, "Domestic violence, once it occurs, tends to repeat itself. Even if it appears to be a simple dispute, an immediate response is crucial. We will strengthen our response system so that victims can quickly seek help."