Thread by @latimes

There is an online sex crimes crisis in South Korea. Digital sex crimes involve the use of hidden miniature cameras to film or share intimate images of women and girls without their consent.

latimes.com/world-nation/s…

In recent years, digital sex crime scandals have roiled the country, prompting soul-searching about deep-rooted sexism and setting off an unprecedented rise in feminist activism, and a fierce backlash to boot.

For example → latimes.com/world-nation/s…

The epidemic has driven women to suicide, forced them to move overseas or left them with lifelong trauma, according to @hrw report recently released.

Many victims received inadequate support from law enforcement or counseling services.

latimes.com/world-nation/s…

There have been several important moments.

In 2018, women marched in the street rallying around the cry: “My life is not your porn.” Last year, the country learned of a “sextortion” ring that blackmailed women into providing sexually explicit material.
latimes.com/world-nation/s…

In a society steeped in a patriarchy, victims are left with ongoing trauma.

"It’s like a murder, even though he didn’t use a knife or a weapon. It’s like a murder to someone’s identity or mentality," one of the victims, told @hrw.

latimes.com/world-nation/s…

After last year’s sextortion scandal, legislators passed a law increasing punishments for possession of nonconsensual images and holding service providers responsible. Whether the law will result in a reduction of online sex crimes remains to be seen.
latimes.com/world-nation/s…