A Study on Measures to Ensure the Effectiveness of the Act on the Prevention of Stalking and Protection of Victims

Stalking is a serious crime that threatens victims’ safety and can escalate into more severe offenses. This study assesses the effectiveness of South Korea’s Stalking Punishment Act, identifying key limitations such as inadequate provisional measures, low usage of electronic monitoring, and inconsistent penalties for protective order violations. To strengthen victim protection and enable early intervention, recommendations include simplifying emergency procedures, granting police authority to request protective measures, redefining stalking as an objective offense, and expanding protection to cohabitants and family. Technical enhancements and broader application of electronic monitoring, along with stronger penalties and standardized sentencing, are emphasized. The study also advocates a comprehensive victim support system—including shelters, psychological and medical aid, legal assistance, and prevention of secondary victimization—plus mandatory training for law enforcement and judicial personnel. These measures aim to reduce recidivism, safeguard victims, and reinforce state responsibility for public safety.