The perpetrator has been caught, but victims’ suffering continues... Incheon police support victims of knife rampage

【Financial News, Incheon = Han Gab-soo, Staff Writer】 A knife rampage does not end with the arrest of the perpetrator. Victims and their families must cope not only with physical injuries but also with psychological trauma and financial hardship. Incheon police have begun ongoing protection and support efforts to help victims of the Choi Chung-rak knife rampage return to their daily lives.
The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency said on the 5th that it was operating the Metropolitan Victim Support Team, made up of 12 dedicated police officers, immediately after the incident, and assigned one dedicated officer to each of the 10 victims to provide continued, tailored support.
Within three days of the incident, police had connected all victims in need of support with relevant agencies and provided emergency relief funds, living-stability assistance, living expenses, medical expenses and other support. All assistance has been completed except for medical expenses for two victims who are currently receiving treatment.
Support for psychological recovery was also provided. Victim psychological specialists (CARE) conducted a total of 65 crisis intervention counseling sessions for 16 people, including victims and their family members. Three family members of seriously injured victims were provided with temporary accommodation and meals, and were also connected with emergency housing-cost assistance.
Police also sought to identify additional victims beyond those identified at the time of the incident. Through interviews with victims and consultations with merchants near the scene, they identified people in need of support and worked to address gaps in victim protection, including by arranging psychological counseling and referrals to specialized organizations.
Cooperation with the private sector is also being pursued to expand financial support. Through its own support program, Hope Keeper, funded by voluntary donations from Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency employees and designated private donations, the agency plans to provide an additional approximately 20 million won to 8 victims.
Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Yoo Seung-ryeol said, “We will ensure that victims receive the support they need through to the end, and stand with them until the day their pain is healed.”
[email protected] Han Gab-soo Reporter