멈추지 않는 폭력의 굴레, ‘관용’이라는 이름의 족쇄에 갇힌 가정폭력의 실체 > K-wave Trends

The perpetrator in this case, identified as A, brutally assaulted his wife in a public restaurant. His actions—beating her simply for not fulfilling a trivial request and dragging her by her hair for 25 meters—completely trampled upon human dignity. Even more shocking is the fact that he is a repeat offender who has already been punished for domestic violence ten times. The fact that the crimes did not cease despite repeated judicial intervention proves that existing legal punishments have failed to provide any real rehabilitative effect on the perpetrator. His behavior—fleeing from the police, returning home to destroy property, and even smashing CCTV cameras—demonstrates how he justifies his violence and psychologically pressures the victim.

The court once again showed leniency, sentencing him to two years in prison suspended for three years. The justification was that the victim did not want her husband punished due to the practical difficulties of raising their children. This symbolizes the most tragic dilemma in domestic violence cases. Although victims should be protected, they are forced to choose to block the punishment of their abusers due to a social structure where they lack economic independence or must worry about their children's future. While the judiciary claims to respect the "victim's wishes," this effectively risks ignoring the structural poverty and social isolation the victim faces, leading to the recurrence of crimes.

Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse. Overseas cases have reported instances where a man assaulted his wife for 10 years while hiding a fortune of 3.1 billion won and bringing a mistress home to humiliate his wife, combining physical abuse with economic and psychological torment. The fact that the victim wore 100-yuan t-shirts to survive while the perpetrator enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle makes it clear that domestic violence is a matter of power and control. The process where a victim delays divorce for her daughter's sake, only for the daughter to eventually become a witness to the violence and suffer as well, clearly shows the tragic path of intergenerational trauma. Ultimately, the reality that victims must perform high-level investigative work, such as tracking financial transactions, to reclaim their rights highlights how inadequate the state's protection system is.

Fortunately, new safety nets utilizing technology are being attempted. The "Safe Zone ICT Device" introduced by the Incheon Senior Protection Agency allows victims to secretly request help via AI speakers, showing an effort to bridge the blind spots of violence within closed homes. Statistics showing that over 75% of elder abuse is committed by family members clearly demonstrate the unique nature of domestic crimes where the perpetrator and victim are difficult to separate. Beyond technical aids, practical support for independence—such as divorce litigation support through the Korea Legal Aid Corporation or the provision of emergency shelters—must be strengthened so that victims can finally find the courage to break free from the cycle of violence.

The past perception that dismissed domestic violence as mere "marital squabbles" or "private family matters" must be completely discarded. Verbal abuse, threats, economic pressure, and sexual abuse are all clear criminal acts. Victims should actively utilize powerful protection systems guaranteed by current law, including reporting to 112, restraining orders, and temporary protective measures. Furthermore, securing concrete evidence such as medical certificates, photos, text messages, and audio recordings is key to the success of future legal responses. Rather than suffering alone, seeking systematic response strategies through the Women's Emergency Hotline 1366 or consultations with professional lawyers is the only way to protect the future of yourself and your children.