National Police Agency and Shinhan Financial Hope Foundation identify crime victims
More than 3.2 billion won in financial support provided to 2,112 people over two years
"I had made up my mind to leave this world, but thanks to support from the police I have found hope to live again."
Mr. A, who lives in Seoul, suffered continuous sexual violence, illegal filming, and assault while dating her boyfriend. Tormented by chronic "dating violence," guilt, and shame, she once tried to end her own life. After making a final decision to have the perpetrator punished and going to the police, Mr. A has been gradually reclaiming her daily life through support such as psychological treatment costs and living expenses, as well as linkage to police protection and support programs.
The National Police Agency announced on the 25th that it had provided about 3.2 billion won to 2,112 people over the past two years to help crime victims restore their daily lives. The National Police Agency, the Shinhan Financial Hope Foundation, and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety signed a work agreement for crime victim support in April 2024 and have since been working to identify eligible beneficiaries. Depending on the victim’s situation, support is categorized into basic cases (1 million won) and intensive cases (up to 3 million won), and covers living, medical, housing, and education expenses.
Over the two-year period, 1,560 people were identified as basic cases and 552 as intensive cases. The story of Mr. A mentioned earlier was selected as an exemplary case of crime victim support. The Shinhan Financial Hope Foundation holds an annual contest for exemplary cases to share the results of inter-agency cooperation and to encourage police officers on the front lines who have worked hard to support victims. In the latest contest, five outstanding police officers and five social workers were selected and received commendations from the Minister of the Interior and Safety and the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency.
In addition to Mr. A’s case, the police have identified and linked to support programs a variety of cases in local communities where help was needed, such as a woman whose de facto partner set fire to her residence after she told him she wanted to break up, and a man in his 60s who faced the risk of lower-body paralysis after trying to stop a driverless truck sliding down the road.
An official from the National Police Agency said, "The police will establish a work system that focuses on the protection and support of victims," adding, "We will continue to expand public-private cooperation so that crime victims can receive practical assistance."
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