A comprehensive government support system will be launched to detect the suicide risk of crime victims suffering from psychological trauma, secondary victimization, and anxiety during criminal proceedings, and to assist them in their recovery.
On September 8, the Justice Ministry announced a 'Government-Wide Crime Victim Suicide Prevention Initiative' in collaboration with the Government Coordination Office, Health and Welfare Ministry, Gender Equality and Family Ministry, Police Agency, and Coast Guard to identify suicide risks early and provide prompt support.
The Justice Ministry noted that despite the ongoing tragedies of crime victims resorting to extreme measures, there has been a lack of systematic analysis of suicide statistics and causes. It highlighted the inadequacy of systems to detect suicide risks early in the investigation process and connect victims to specialized institutions.
In response, the government will establish a five-step support system focusing on assessment, prevention, connection, procedural protection, and recovery to safeguard victims.
Initially, the government will conduct specialized research to analyze the current status and risk factors of crime victim suicides, providing foundational data for policy improvements. It will also closely monitor victims' psychological states from the early stages of investigations.
During victim interviews, officials will check for requests for psychological counseling, and if suicide risks are identified through emergency psychological counseling by dedicated police officers, victims will be immediately referred to specialized institutions.
Additionally, an 'Integrated Support System for Crime Victims' will be established, allowing victims to request necessary support anytime and anywhere. The government plans to strengthen the cooperative network among relevant agencies, including investigative bodies, Smile Centers, and the Korea Legal Aid Corporation, as well as the Health and Welfare Ministry's suicide prevention centers, to ensure continuous support during crises.
Measures to prevent secondary victimization and anxiety during criminal proceedings have also been developed. The government will increase the number of public defenders for victims of violent crimes to enhance legal support and will promptly provide victims with information regarding the release of offenders and other criminal procedure updates.
Customized recovery support for different types of victims will also be expanded. Smile Centers, which provide psychological treatment for victims of violent crimes, will enhance their evening, weekend, and home visit counseling services (365 Smile) and will operate recovery programs for families of homicide victims.
The Gender Equality and Family Ministry will establish comprehensive support for victims of gender-based violence and guidelines to prevent secondary victimization in media reporting, while the Health and Welfare Ministry will strengthen post-management for victims of child, elder, and disabled abuse. Support for personal rehabilitation and bankruptcy assistance, along with psychological treatment, will also be provided to victims of economic crimes such as fraud.
Acting Justice Minister Lee Jin-soo emphasized, "We must not allow crime victims to bear the pain alone. We will establish a robust support system that detects suicide risks early and provides protection throughout the investigation and trial processes, leading to their recovery in daily life."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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