The government is considering revising the law to punish sex offenders without a complaint from their victims, the justice ministry said Monday, in response to growing calls to eliminate loopholes in the current law.

Under the current law, those suspected of committing sex-related crimes are indictable only if a formal complaint is made by the victim, stoking concerns that sex offenders sometimes bend the rules and go free.

"The Justice Ministry is mulling over removing a provision in the current law stipulating that those suspected of sexual offenses are prosecuted only when victims file complaints," an official said.

According to a government report, less than 10 percent of sex crimes are reported to the police, with most victims deciding against making a complaint because they are afraid of having to confront their assailants and concerned at having to testify about their experiences in court.

Public calls have grown that the provision should be abolished to require the prosecution and police take legal actions against attackers in all reported sex crimes regardless of whether the victims press charges.

The ministry recently requested an outside counsel review the effects of abolishing the provision, and is in discussions with the prosecution and other legal industry professionals, the official said, adding it also plans to hold a public hearing.

The government last year revised the provision in which those suspected of sexually abusing the disabled and minors can be indicted even without a complaint from the victim. (Yonhap News)