Technologically Facilitated Gender-Based Violence: The case that triggered change in South Korea

In the Asian city that never sleeps, a mix of innovative technology and a respect for traditions, home of the K-Pop and cult classics “Parasite” and „Oldboy“, everything seems is perfect. Streets, traffic, skyscrapers, people, and tourists all seem to coexist in mutual respect and peace. When you walk the streets, you notice that people move quickly, barely acknowledging your presence, perhaps because they select harmony over attracting attention to themselves. Welcome to Seoul, the city of tomorrow!

Our recent visit to Seoul, once a poor South Korean city, now a cultural capital, and super-modern conglomerate, was related to our work in the United Nations Development Programme office in North Macedonia. This study visit included representatives from North Macedonia's Ministry of Interior and was organized as part of the "Combating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the Digital Sphere" project. We aimed to learn from one of the world's best, as the Republic of Korea, a global leader in technology and innovation, has taken a pioneering role in addressing the complex issue of technologically facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).

But to become the safe, modern city it is today, Seoul learned many lessons in the past. Crimes and violence can happen anywhere, and it is up to society and the authorities to learn from mistakes and transform the system to improve people's lives. To explain how this is done, we will tell you about a case that provoked nationwide attention due to institutional mistreatment in providing timely and comprehensive support to victims of sexual violence and the decisive action taken by the Korean government to ensure this never happens again.

In 2003, a disturbing case of sexual violence in the Republic of Korea drew national attention. A young woman, after being assaulted, sought immediate help. However, she was met with a fragmented system that required her to visit multiple hospitals and police stations over three excruciating days to receive medical treatment and initiate an investigation. This suffering highlighted the systemic failures in providing timely and comprehensive support to victims of sexual violence. In response to this incident, the government of the Republic of Korea took decisive action. Within a year, the Sunflower Center was established, marking a significant step towards integrated support for victims of gender-based violence. The centre was designed to provide comprehensive services under one roof, including:

Counselling: Professional support to help victims process their trauma and navigate the healing journey.

Medical care: Immediate and comprehensive medical examinations and treatment.

Investigation support: Coordination with law enforcement to ensure that evidence is collected efficiently, and investigations proceed without delay.

This integrated approach aimed to minimize the additional trauma that victims often faced when dealing with multiple agencies and institutions.