Rep. Chung Hee-soo of the largest opposition Grand National Party suggested that
stricter measures should be implemented to crack down on sexual crimes in
trains and stations, citing that crimes of this nature have increased by a
third.
His argument was based on a report from the Ministry of Construction and
Transportation, which showed that there were 40 cases of sexual assault
reported last year, up from 30 cases in 2005 and 25 in 2004.
Areas in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province were worst hit with 21 crimes reported,
followed by Cheonan and Daejeon with 10 cases each.
Night is the most feared time for victims of sexual harassment and station
security units are short-staffed. The minimum on duty should be 422, but only
383 are actually operating.
``It is an urgent issue to at least fill the minimum quota of security guards
as a precautionary measure,'' Chung said. ``When it comes to sexual crimes,
prevention is much more important than punishment.''
Current laws impose a maximum one-year prison term or a fine of 3 million won on a person who commits a sexual crime in public.
