ED Maximizing #MeToo wave
Proper education is key to preventing sex crimes
The Moon Jae-in administration on Thursday announced measures to better protect women from sexual abuse in light of the sweeping #MeToo movement spreading to all corners of Korean society.
The nation’s entertainment and culture sectors were recently embroiled with appalling revelations by women who had been sexually abused by powerful men. Those undergoing investigations over sexual assault accusations include renowned play director Lee Yoon-taek. The religious sector was also affected by #MeToo accusations.
Politicians have also been hit hard. A female secretary who had worked for former South Chungcheong Province Governor An Hee-jung came out with allegations of repeated rape by her employer. This prompted An, considered a potential presidential candidate for the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, to resign from his post. The party decided quickly to expel him from the party.
The government measures were prepared by a committee consisting of 12 relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, and other experts. “We will aim to ensure a prompt and rigorous investigation of perpetrators using their superior position for sexual abuse,” Gender Equality and Family Minister Chung Hyun-back said during a briefing at the Government Complex in Seoul, Thursday. The minister stressed the importance of preventing additional harm to victims after publicly coming out with their experiences of abuse. The briefing coincided with a protest in Seoul on International Women’s Day as part of the #MeToo wave.
In particular, the government vowed to implement tougher laws against sex crimes, including an extension of statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases from the current seven-year threshold to 10 years. The government also plans to raise the maximum prison sentence and penalties for sex offenders.
Toughening laws and punishment is a necessary step. But its effect is uncertain because men will continue to abuse women unless they change their thinking. Changing people’s perceptions cannot take place over night. That is why the role of education is so important.
Education on what constitutes sex crimes and how to treat women should start at an early age in schools and homes. Workplaces should also train their employees vigorously about their duty to treat women with respect and dignity at all times.