The country finds itself shocked by the news a man in his fifties given "suspension of sentencing" by a court last year for sexually abusing a child recently abused another girl, age 11, before killing her. His methods were cruel and parents of young children are horrified. Once again it looks like there is going to be a public outcry demanding measures to prevent the sexual abuse of children.
When terrible cases like this occur the first proposals always include stronger punishment for offenders and better oversight towards them after the fact. Electric bracelets and public disclosure of offenders' identities are the main methods discussed. Diverse approaches would be desirable. Currently the only measures Korea has in place is to disclose the identities of repeat sex offenders, and the criticism is that it has not been very effective. That being the case we need to research methods that would minimize socially ostracizing people to the greatest extent possible while making preventive measures and indirect individual observation. One methods might be to require offenders to receive regular classes and counseling. As with all problems, sex abuse against children the most important thing will be the simultaneous employment of diverse measures and approaches.
No less important than what is done with offenders, however, is working with children on prevention since sexual abuse leaves them with wounds that are forever hard to heal. Children at the kindergarten and elementary school level continuously need to be taught how sexual violence is bad and how to respond to it. That kind of education would have the effect of reducing the victimization and prevent such violence in the future. There also has to be stronger education for adults, as that would have a more direct effect. The government needs to work to support agencies involved in education and prevention.
The Hankyoreh, 21 February 2006.
[Translations by Seoul Selection]
[Editorial] Diverse Approaches Needed for Child Sex Abuse |
