Despite the newly enforced special law on domestic violence this year, many victims still suffer from a lack of legal protection from the court, a civic group said Tuesday.

Under the special law on domestic violence implemented in October, the court can legally and physically separate a perpetrator from the victim to prevent further violence.

But according to the civic group for domestic violence prevention, a large number of victims are constantly exposed to their abusers, as the court normally suggests consultation or negotiation.

In 2013, the number of perpetrators of domestic violence stood at nearly 18,000, while just 1 percent were sentenced to imprisonment.

Experts said that the court places consultation or negotiation far too often, in the name of the “family protection.” Through the court-led consultation or negotiation, the victims have to inevitably meet their abusers, without any further legal protection.

“Having to face the abuser again can amount to psychological violence against the victims,” said Go Mi-kyung, the head of the group.

The court should strengthen the punishment for domestic abusers, to guarantee the victims of their personal security, Go added.

The victims can veto the court’s decision according to the civil law, but most of the victims remain reluctant to do so due to possible disadvantages.

According to the Health Ministry data, an average of 4 in 10 married couples in Korea underwent spousal violence in 2013.

By Kim Da-sol, Intern Reporter (dasolkim@heraldcorp.com)