KWDI Korean Women’s Development Institute

With the recent incidence of child sexual abuse(CSA) cases, there have been growing public concerns and demands for proper response to CSA. One of the key policy responses to CSA is to amend the relevant laws to toughen punishment for perpetrators. However, harsher punishment for offenders is not enough to deter the incidence of CSA. It requires collaboration among the government, communities and NGOs to develop effective child safety measures. This study examines ways to prevent CSA at community level based on the firm belief that creating and implementing preventive actions is the most effective solution to reducing CSA. A survey was conducted with elementary school students in order to identify the status of child safety and sexual abuse and a focus group interview was held with parents to understand their perceptions about children’s safety. Moreover, the safety of school surroundings was explored through the creation of safety maps. In this study, governance-building for safety was discussed, the status quo was reviewed and recommendations were made with an understanding that partnership among the central and local governments and NGOs is critical to establishing a safe environment for children at community level. A review was undertaken and recommendations were made for Local Solidarities for Protecting Women and Children as well as Gatekeeper programs, which are at the center of local governance formed for the safety of girls. The following suggestions were made with regard to drawing up policy measures for enhancing children’s safety at community levels; stronger cooperation among government ministries and agencies for building local governance; the establishment of a central support office for stronger local governance; suggestions for improving Local Solidarities for Protecting Women and Children; suggestions for improving various Gatekeeper programs; suggestions for improving local environment using the safety map, and; enhanced capabilities of parents and teachers as the key players for CSA prevention.