Zhonghe Father-in-Law Murder: Councilor Urges Stronger Legal Consultation and Social Work Support

A brutal murder in Zhonghe, New Taipei City, where a father-in-law allegedly killed his daughter-in-law, has exposed potential gaps in the social safety net. The case has prompted calls for a more robust system to identify and assist vulnerable families before tragedy strikes.

New Taipei City Councilor Chiang Yi-chen pointed out that the perpetrator's family had no prior record of domestic violence reports. "Zero reports does not mean zero risk," she stated during a council session, urging the city government to bolster the identification and referral processes. Chiang suggested that district offices, household registration, women's centers, and legal consultation services should be better equipped to recognize signs of distress.

She proposed a review of past cases involving domestic violence fatalities or severe harm to children, even those without prior reports. By analyzing these incidents, the city aims to understand why risks were not detected and why individuals did not seek help, thereby strengthening the safety net. Chiang also recommended that these frontline services be trained to identify potential threats, harassment, stalking, or economic control, and to promote awareness that domestic violence includes psychological and economic abuse, not just physical harm.

Social Affairs Bureau Director Li Mei-chen acknowledged the need for improved sensitivity and training for frontline workers. She noted that while there isn't specific data on fatalities stemming from un-reported domestic violence, a review of the previous year revealed four such cases. The bureau plans to enhance training to improve early detection. In response to the Zhonghe case, various city departments, including social affairs and police, are providing support to the affected family, particularly the victim's minor children.

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Zero reports does not mean zero risk