NCJ Number
143316
Date Published
1992
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The nature and extent of domestic assault in the Republic of Korea are examined, with emphasis on spouse abuse, based on a survey conducted in July and August 1991.
Abstract
The participants included 560 men and 640 women ages 20 and older. Results revealed that 28.4 percent of the households experienced spouse abuse in which the husband was the perpetrator, with serious violence occurring in 10.6 percent of the households. Violence perpetrated by the wife against the husband occurred in 15.6 percent of the households. The violence by husbands occurred within the first year of marriage in 37.5 percent of the cases. Only 31.4 percent of the female victims told other family members or friends; 2 percent sought counseling; and 1.7 percent filed police reports. Domestic assault perpetrated by the husband is much higher than in the United States; the two countries have similar rates of violence perpetrated by wives. Findings revealed that domestic assault is prevalent in Korea, but it is not generally exposed to society. To prevent domestic assault, changes in the country's patriarchal structure, changes in sociocultural norms that make people tolerate violence, and the establishment of shelters and counseling services are needed. Tables and 14 references