Legal support for domestic violence
The law provides protective measures for domestic violence. Free legal support is available.
Legal measures that exist
- Temporary and emergency measures — removing the perpetrator from the home or barring contact, through police, prosecutors or the court.
- Victim protection order — the victim can apply to the court directly.
- Restraining and no-contact orders
- Divorce, property division and custody
- Child support enforcement
- Immigration assistance — being a victim of violence can be grounds to continue your stay.
Steps
- Gather evidence — medical certificates, photos, messages, recordings, counselling and police records.
- Get free legal advice from 132.
- Report to the police and request protection, 112.
- Apply for a victim protection order if needed, with help from a lawyer or counselling agency.
- Discuss divorce and custody together.
- Ask 1345 and support agencies about immigration.
What you need
- Medical certificates and records
- Photos, recordings, messages
- The police report receipt (case number)
- Marriage and family documents
- Passport and Alien Registration Card
Where to go
- 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation (free advice and litigation support)
- 1366 · 1577-1366 (13 languages, 24 hours)
- 112 police
- 1644-6621 child support agency
- Your local Family Center
- 1345 immigration status
Questions people ask
I can't afford a lawyer. 132 supports qualifying cases through to litigation, free. Call them first.
Does divorce mean I must leave Korea? Not necessarily. Where a marriage broke down through violence, there are paths to continue your stay. Talk to 1345 and 1577-1366.
I'm worried about custody. Custody is decided on the child's welfare, not nationality alone. Get advice from 132.
I have no evidence. Counselling records, hospital records and neighbours' statements are evidence too. Start recording today.
I don't speak Korean. You can request interpretation for legal advice too. Ask a Family Center to accompany you.
Take care
Do not try to settle alone with the perpetrator. Threats and manipulation are likely. Always go through a counselling agency or lawyer. 132 is free.
Related
domestic-violence-emergency · dv-shelter · f6-divorce-stay · single-parent-support
Source
Korea Legal Aid Corporation www.klac.or.kr / Ministry of Gender Equality and Family www.mogef.go.kr / As of 2026-08