Violent Victimization of Gender and Sexual Minority Individuals: The Challenges to Effective Prevention and Response among Criminal Justice Professionals in South Korea

Abstract

The high rate of violent victimization of LGBTQ+ individuals is a serious problem in South Korea. To provide suggestions on how to address the problem, the current study reviews the existing literature on violent victimization of gender and sexual minority individuals and the relevant U.S. laws, prohibitions, and policies. This study suggests that the South Korean criminal justice system should establish explicit anti-discrimination prohibitions and policies regarding criminal justice professional interactions with LGBTQ+ populations. Furthermore, it is essential to implement specialized education and training devoted to eliminating criminal justice professionals’ prejudicial beliefs and oppressive attitudes against LGBTQ+ populations to effectively respond to violence against LGBTQ+ individuals and provide appropriate legal and medical services to LGBTQ+ victims.