Up to 1 Million Won Fine for Child Abuse Offenders Who Ignore Mandatory Counseling or Treatment

Starting on the 12th, offenders who have committed child abuse and fail to receive counseling or education from a Child Protection Agency, or treatment from a medical institution, will face a fine of up to 10 million won.
The Ministry of Justice announced on the 11th that partial amendments to the Enforcement Decree and Enforcement Rule of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes will take effect. Under the amendments, child abuse offenders who do not comply with temporary measures, such as being referred for counseling and education at a Child Protection Agency or for treatment at a medical institution, may be fined up to 10 million won.
A first violation of a temporary measure will result in a 3 million won fine, a second violation in a 5 million won fine, and a third violation in a 10 million won fine.
The amendments are intended to correct offenders’ behavior at an early stage of child abuse and prevent re-abuse. They clarify enforcement measures to compel compliance, responding to criticism that there were effectively no penalties when offenders ignored counseling, education, or treatment ordered by the court.
An official from the Ministry of Justice stated, "We expect that implementing these amendments will enhance the effectiveness of temporary measures and help better protect child victims."

kyu0705@fnnews.com Kim Dong-gyu Reporter