explicitly recognizes that sexual violence victims are eligible for state compensation and requires the interior ministry to establish counseling and treatment programs for their physical and mental recovery.<\/span><\/p>\nAccording to the interior ministry, 26 of 1,979 compensation applications related to the May 18 Movement were from sexual violence victims. The application period ran from July to Dec. 2023 as part of an expanded compensation program for victims of the uprising.<\/span><\/p>\nThe ministry informed <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> that an inter-agency Compensation Deliberation Committee is conducting fact-finding investigations on these cases.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cOnce our investigations conclude, we\u2019ll make decisions on recognizing related persons and determining appropriate compensation,\u201d the ministry said.<\/span><\/p>\nThe ministry acknowledged the need for enhanced victim protection during investigations, citing the difficulties survivors face in disclosing their experiences.<\/span><\/p>\nHowever, Yoon pointed to significant challenges in the compensation process, particularly for psychological damages, and criticized the lengthy review process.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cIt takes about two years just to get results,\u201d Yoon said. \u201cEven then, victims don\u2019t receive compensation for psychological harm without filing a separate lawsuit against the state.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nShe argued that expecting aging survivors to navigate a protracted legal process is unreasonable.<\/span><\/p>\nCitizens gather in front of the fountain at Jeonnam Provincial Office Plaza, demanding an end to Chun Doo-hwan’s martial law during the May 18 Gwangju Uprising in 1980 | Image: Na Kyung-taek, courtesy of The May 18 Memorial Foundation<\/em><\/p><\/div>\nMOVING TOWARD A BETTER SYSTEM<\/b><\/p>\n
Experts called for a more comprehensive approach to supporting survivors of sexual violence during the May 18 Democratization Movement, emphasizing the need for both legal reforms and societal change.<\/span><\/p>\nYoon suggested a more expansive interpretation of the Act\u2019s provisions, potentially recognizing mental suffering without requiring separate civil action. This would streamline the compensation process, particularly for psychological damages.<\/span><\/p>\nJang of KICJ also stressed the importance of support systems for victims\u2019 families, especially when direct victims have passed away.<\/span><\/p>\nThe National Trauma Recovery Center, which opened in July 2024, offers a range of programs, including individual counseling, meditation and stabilization techniques designed for victims of state violence, including sexual assault survivors from the May 18 Movement.<\/span><\/p>\nThe interior ministry told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> that it is committed to guiding survivors to these resources, with plans to launch holistic healing programs that address both mental and physical trauma. The ministry also plans to partner with healthcare providers experienced in treating sexual violence trauma.<\/span><\/p>\nHowever, Jang cautioned that trauma support alone is insufficient without full acknowledgment of victims\u2019 suffering. She noted that many victims still view their experiences as shameful due to conservative societal norms.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cCommunity attitudes play a huge role in either amplifying or silencing victims\u2019 trauma,\u201d Jang said, calling for efforts to raise awareness and prevent secondary victimization.<\/span><\/p>\nYoon also emphasized that addressing historical injustices goes beyond monetary compensation.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cRecognizing state responsibility for past actions and addressing victims\u2019 grievances today is crucial,\u201d Yoon told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\nFour decades after the violence in Gwangju, survivors like Choi, along with advocates and researchers, await the government\u2019s response to the Truth Commission\u2019s findings. With the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Movement approaching, the South Korean government faces pressure to address past injustices and build a more effective support system.<\/span><\/p>\nEdited by John Lee<\/span><\/i><\/p>\nCulture & Society<\/span><\/a>Domestic Politics<\/span><\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"After more than 40 years, survivors of sexual violence during South Korea\u2019s 1980 Gwangju May 18 Democratization Movement have come forward, revealing not only the abuses committed by martial law forces but also exposing shortcomings in the country\u2019s support systems for victims of state violence. On Sept. 30, survivors shared their accounts during a historic […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10909,"featured_media":2206772,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[25,27],"class_list":["post-2206765","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-analysis","tag-culture-society","tag-domestic-politics"],"yoast_head":"\n
Survivors of Gwangju Uprising break silence on sexual violence after 40 years - Korea Pro<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n