From Thursday, police officers can now restrain domestic abuse offenders temporarily on the spot without referring the case to the prosecution.

The National Police Agency said that under a special law on domestic violence, which took effect Thursday, officers will have the authority to intervene in family violence.

In case of an emergency, police officers will be able to seclude the attacker from the victim by ordering a 100-meter restraining order, keeping them from the residence and prohibiting any contact using electronic devices such as telephone and email. The orders, if issued, will take effect immediately and last up to two months. Attackers who disobey the orders will be detained for up to two months or fined up to 5 million won ($4,700).

After issuing the first order, police officers can then refer the case to prosecutors, who can request that the court expand the term of its validity.

According to an NPA report to Rep. Kim Tae-won of the Grand National Party, a total of 57,107 domestic violence cases were reported between 2006 and 2011, which is equivalent to 28.4 crimes committed every day.

Since it usually takes the police more than a week to get a court order for action against those who commit domestic abuse and also because of the fact that domestic violence is customarily considered a family and personal matter to be settled without third party intervention, police have been reluctant so far to act, Kim said.

“But most of the assailants habitually and repeatedly commit violence, which could often threaten the lives of other family members,” Kim said.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)