Rape victims in military to take more time off

By Jun Ji-hye

The Ministry of National Defense said Sunday that it will allow victims of sexual violence in the military to take a maximum leave of absence of two years as part of efforts to help them return to active service.

“The ministry is planning to supplement a relevant law to allow victims who need treatment or convalescence to take time off duty, even if the treatment requires less than six months,” the ministry said

Toward that end, the ministry issued an advance notice of revised legislation for the Military Personnel Management Act in a bid to create a new clause in it.

The standing law stipulates that officers can take leave for a maximum period of a year. If one fails to return to the military within that period, he or she is discharged.

Currently, victims who suffered less than six months of sexual violence are unable to take time off.

The revision would guarantee any victims of sexual violence, regardless of the period of treatment, to expand their leave of absence by one more year.

“The revision is designed to help further protect the rights of victims,” the ministry said.

The Defense Ministry added that it will also make an effort to revise a relevant law and directives to increase punishments imposed against those who condone acts of sexual violence.

Ministries issue an advance legislation notice after completing consultations with related organizations. Once such a notice is made, the ministry concerned listens to public opinion for 40 days before sending a legislative bill to the next level, such as the Ministry of Government Legislation, the Cabinet and the National Assembly.

The ministry’s move comes amid reports of increasing numbers of sexual offenses occurring within military barracks.

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