Accra:Gender Equality Minister Won Min-kyong on Friday advocated for the removal of a legal provision that prevents the punishment of domestic violence offenders if victims do not wish for punishment.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the current law allows domestic violence offenders to avoid punishment if victims oppose it. Critics argue that this provision has led to offenders pressuring victims into settling cases.

Minister Won emphasized her stance in a YouTube interview, noting that since a policy briefing in December of last year, she has consistently called for the clause's abolition, considering domestic violence as a crime that should be punishable regardless of the victim's wishes. She also mentioned that President Lee Jae Myung supports her view.

Previously, stalking crimes also had similar legal conditions, but a revision in June 2023 abolished such provisions, making these crimes punishable irrespective of the victim's consent.