Comparing the policy response to violence against women in the USA and South Korea

Abstract

Violence against women is a recognizable and growing problem as a major public health and human rights issue at an international level (Caracci, 2003). The World Health Organization estimates that 5.3 million women experience violence at the hands of an intimate partner each year. Estimates suggest that the lifetime occurrences of violence towards women range from as little as 10 percent to as large as 69 percent (Caracci, 2003). It is difficult, if not impossible, to discover the true extent of violence among female populations around the world, especially since most women do not report domestic violence because of cultural values and social taboos (Waters et al., 2005).Enormous challenges exist as policy-makers and advocates struggle with how to address the problem and identify prevention and intervention strategies that keep women safe from further violence. Western countries such as the USA and the UK have pioneered policies and services for battered women over the past 30 years. As other countries address domestic violence, those with somewhat similar cultures often turn to the USA and the UK as a source of information and support. Yet countries with different cultures struggle with addressing the problem of domestic violence while still holding true to their values and beliefs. For example, in South * i s w

Dating Violence Perpetration and Victimization Among South Korean College Students: A Focus on Gender and Childhood Maltreatment

“…While there has been little research on the impact that the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Victim Protection Act has had on South Korean attitudes toward dating violence, there is some evidence that the legislation did increase cultural awareness about domestic violence (Postmus & Hahn, 2007). Although this specific domestic violence legislation passed in 1998 protects spouses, other family members, and children, the most common view in South Korean culture today is that domestic violence is considered to be a private family matter.…”

Assessing the Overlap in Dating Violence Perpetration and Victimization among South Korean College Students: The Influence of Social Learning and Self-Control

“…Although it has been over a decade since the passing of the Domestic Violence and Victim Protection Act in South Korea, recent evidence suggests that despite the improvement in cultural awareness the majority of South Koreans still view domestic violence as a private matter (Postmus & Hahn, 2007). Furthermore, no early prevention or intervention programs exist in the South Korean high schools or universities focusing on issues surrounding domestic violence.…”

“…South Korea is considered both a democratic and economic leader in East Asia, and due to its success in passing policy to stop violence against women, surrounding countries have sought advice and collaboration to initiate their own interventions (Sook Heo, 2008). The South Korean Protection Act was passed in 1994 and emphasizes family health and preservation (Postmus & Hahn, 2007). Similar to framing the American Violence against Women Act in terms of economic and labor rationale, constructing domestic violence as something that threatens the preservation of family was considered by some South Korean proponents of the law as an effective strategy of taking something "private" and reconceptualizing it is something threatening a core institution of Korean culture (Sook Heo, 2008).…”

The Influence of Childhood Maltreatment and Self-Control on Dating Violence: A Comparison of College Students in the United States and South Korea

“…2 However, a major difference between South Korean and American dating culture is the public policy regarding dating and marital violence. Although both South Korea and the United States passed major laws intending to strengthen and unify efforts against domestic violence in 1994 and 1997, respectively, there are substantive differences between the laws (Postmus & Hahn, 2007). The Prevention and Protection Act in South Korea prioritizes family preservation and health, whereas the American Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) stresses victim safety and offender accountability (Postmus & Hahn, 2007).…”