Heavier punishment sought for restraining order violators

SEOUL, Jan. 26 (Yonhap) -- A ruling party lawmaker said Monday he plans to
propose a law revision seeking heavier punishment for those who violate court
restraining orders.

Son Beom-gyu of the Grand National Party said a law revision he plans to submit
to the National Assembly would seek to increase the maximum penalty for such
violators from the present two years to five years.
The maximum penalty for repeat offenders will rise from the present two years to
five years, or a maximum fine of 50 million won, he said.
"There is a need to reinforce punishment for those who violate such restraining
orders as the current law fails to adequately punish offenders," Son said.
Court often issues restraining orders in cases involving domestic violence,
stalking or sexual assault, but most Koreans don't take it very seriously and many
even do not realize that failure to observe such an order is a punishable crime.
"Domestic violence is a large source of crimes and problems in a society as
children raised around domestic violence tend to suffer from mental disorders or
become serious criminals," the lawmaker said.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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