[Number 112] 'Standing by Victims So They Can Rise Again': Police Offer Steadfast Support

[Financial News] "The speed at which victims recover often depends on how quickly and effectively the Victim Protection Team intervenes and takes action in the early stages of a case."
On the 6th, Police Corporal Lee Seung Hyun of the Victim Protection Team, Women and Juvenile Division at Seoul Dongdaemun Police Station, stated, "Most victims of serious crimes are suddenly harmed and find themselves at a loss, but the sooner the Victim Protection Team intervenes, the faster they can recover."
Having joined the police in 2022, Corporal Lee is currently responsible for victim support within the Victim Protection Team. The team’s primary duties include real-time monitoring of victims of major crimes such as murder, assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and stalking within the district. Acting as a 'control tower,' the team coordinates protection at the police level and connects victims with economic, psychological, and legal support from relevant agencies.
Most of Corporal Lee’s day is spent communicating with victims. Many are unaware of the available support measures, even after experiencing harm. However, immediately after an incident, most victims are in a state of confusion and often do not remember what is explained to them over the phone. This is one reason why Corporal Lee visits hospitals to provide face-to-face guidance. "When I explain things in person, victims are more likely to open up and accept the support," Lee explained.
In August this year, Corporal Lee actively assisted victims during an arson incident in Jegi-dong, Dongdaemun District. Two victims lost their lives, while four others suffered severe injuries, including unconsciousness or second-degree burns over their bodies. The remaining nine also required hospital treatment for breathing difficulties. However, most victims faced financial hardship and were burdened by high medical expenses.
Corporal Lee said, "I determined that providing support for medical expenses was the most urgent need." She added, "Since the victims were quickly transported to the hospital, it took time to gather their personal information. With cooperation from Dongdaemun-gu Office, we secured the list of victims and their families, and immediately connected them with the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office Victim Support Office and the Seoul Northern Crime Victim Support Center so they could receive assistance for medical bills, living expenses, funeral costs, and survivor compensation."
She devoted efforts not only to the victims’ physical recovery but also to their psychological well-being. "After treatment, many suffer from trauma, so I prepared resources in advance to provide immediate psychological support at the police level," Lee said. "For displaced victims showing signs of anxiety after losing their homes, we collaborated with the Dongdaemun-gu Mental Health Welfare Center to offer on-site psychological counseling."
Thanks to this swift response, the two victims who were unconscious at the time regained consciousness. Some victims were able to return to their daily lives after being discharged from the hospital. The Victim Protection Team at Seoul Dongdaemun Police Station, to which Lee belongs, was recognized for these efforts and was selected last month as a 'Women and Youth Heroes' team by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA).
Corporal Lee remarked, "The most challenging moments are when I have to explain the support available to victims and their families who are overwhelmed by severe physical injuries." She continued, "When a victim who was unconscious regains consciousness thanks to prompt support and their families express gratitude to the police, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment." Lee emphasized, "I will continue to focus on and work hard for the protection and support of victims."
welcome@fnnews.com Jang Yoo-ha Reporter