Harsher punishment due for abusing spouses

By Lee Kyung-min

Battered wives will no longer have to stay silent out of helplessness.

Abusing spouses will face harsher punishment, the prosecutors’ office said Wednesday.

Those who use weapons and the recidivists will be detained, it added.

This is part of a campaign pledge made by President Park Geun-hye to root out domestic violence along with school and sexual ones.

Raising awareness of the seriousness and preventing repetition of the problem is the primary focus.

“First-time offenders should be punished harshly so that they realize that it is a serious crime.

“As for the victims, we want to assure them that there’s a way to deal with the situation instead of just remaining in pain,” a prosecutor said.

Even when the victim doesn’t want to press charges, mandatory education will be required of assailants.

Only with the promise of completion of the sessions, will they be released on a suspended sentence.

Social minorities should be watched closely as well, according to the Office.

Victims such as immigrant wives and the handicapped will be protected with the help from Korea Legal Aid Corporation.