By Kim Eun-ji
Love may not always be romantic and tender -- about 7,000 Koreans have been suffering from dating violence annually for the last three years, a report said.
“Dating violence leaves woman scarred even in a single incident,” said Rep. Kim Hyun of the main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP). The police submitted the report to the lawmaker Wednesday.
Kim called for stiffer legal punishment for those who resort to dating violence.
According to a 2009 survey of 800 university students conducted by the Korea Women’s Hot Line, a majority of them experienced verbal, physical and sexual abuse from their partners.
Of those who suffered verbal abuse, one-sixth answered they felt threatened after the person raised their voice at them.
About two percent of respondents said their partners threatened to “get” them or “kill” them.
Then why do abusive relationships continue?
Experts say many downplay the seriousness of violence, and believe that “it will not continue” or “there still remains hope.” Some victims incorrectly think love will solve the problem.
“Abuse that happened more than twice, especially when it’s related to drinking, is highly likely to recur,” said Dr. Lim Se-won, a psychiatrist at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital. “It’s important to take action when it first happens.”
The media has aggravated the social ill, said Dr. Lee Hyun-hye of the Korean Institute of Gender Equality Promotion and Education.
“An incorrect idea that having one’s way is masculine also causes dating violence,” Lee said. “If the media keeps on romanticizing men’s unfavorable behavior, young adults are likely to mimic such behavior when dating.”
The writer is a Korea Times intern.