Responding to dating violence
Violence between partners is a crime. "I do it because I love you" is not a reason.
What counts as dating violence
- Hitting, shoving or throwing things
- Insults, humiliation, threats
- Checking your phone and monitoring your location
- Stopping you seeing friends and family
- Taking your money or forcing you into debt
- Forcing unwanted sexual acts
- Threatening you with photos or videos
- Following or contacting you after a break-up (stalking)
What you can do now
- If in danger, call 112. If you cannot speak, text 112.
- Keep a record — date, time, what happened.
- Gather evidence — messages, call logs, photos, medical certificates. Screenshot before blocking.
- Get advice — 1366 (24 hours), 1577-1366 (13 languages, 24 hours).
- Tell people around you. Being the only one who knows is dangerous.
- Request protective measures such as a restraining order if needed.
Where to go
- 112 police (text reporting works)
- 1366 women's emergency line (24 hours)
- 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (13 languages, 24 hours)
- 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation
- Sunflower Center (for sexual violence)
- Your local Family Center
Questions people ask
Am I protected even though we're not married? Yes. Assault, threats and stalking are crimes regardless of the relationship.
We broke up but they keep contacting me. That is stalking. Keep records and report to 112. See the stalking-emergency guide.
They're threatening me with photos. That is a digital sex crime. Report to 112 and 1366. There is also support for having images removed.
I feel it was my fault. Responsibility for violence lies with the person who used it. No reason justifies violence.
Can men be victims? Anyone can be a victim regardless of gender. You can report to 112.
Take care
"This is the last time" is usually not kept. Violence repeats and escalates. Start a record now and make one call to 1366 or 1577-1366.
Related
stalking-emergency · sexual-assault-emergency · call-1366 · domestic-violence-emergency
Source
Ministry of Gender Equality and Family www.mogef.go.kr / As of 2026-08