Sex violence victim students' absences to be recognized as attendance from July

Starting next month, students who are victims of sexual violence will have their absences excused for treatment and counseling, with these days counted as attendance. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced the revision of the enforcement decree for the Act on the Prevention of Sexual Violence and Protection of Victims, which was approved by the State Council.

The revised decree, set to take effect on July 1, aims to bolster the institutional framework for the recovery, independence, and academic continuity of minor victims of sexual violence. Previously, only absences related to transfers or admissions for victims were recognized as attendance. Under the new regulation, school principals can recognize absences for treatment, counseling, and protective measures based on expert opinions regarding sexual violence.

Furthermore, the revision aligns with the recent amendment to the Act on the Prevention of Sexual Violence, which allows minor victims residing in protective facilities to extend their stay until age 25, regardless of the facility type. Previously, the duration of stay varied by facility. This update ensures that victims who were minors at the time of admission can remain in facilities until they reach adulthood, providing a more stable environment for their recovery and reintegration.

Additionally, the revised decree clarifies the procedures for checking disqualifying factors, such as criminal records, for staff working at victim support facilities, including counseling centers, protective facilities, and integrated support centers. Lee Kyung-sook, Director-General of the Gender Equality Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, emphasized the significance of the revision in strengthening the institutional foundation for minors to prepare for stable independence with adequate protection and recovery support.