crime

Japan sees rise in stalking, domestic violence reports

20 Comments

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© KYODO

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

20 Comments
Login to comment

The only positive in this, is that apparently people aren't behaving worse, it's that the victims are taking a stand! If that's why there's Increased cases it's a good thing for society.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Police also received reports of a record 69,908 cases of domestic violence, up 10.7% from the year before, marking a 13th consecutive year of increase.

That's nearly what, 200 cases of DV being reported DAILY here. I hope that articles like this help to dispel the misplaced image that Japan is a country free of violence and is "safe"

Japan IS safer in many ways, but it's just downright ignorant to even think that there isnt any serious or violent crime!

More and more people are standing up and reporting these types of crimes, and good on them for doing it too!

My only concerns are about how the police handle issues and reports of stalking and DV.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

I hope that articles like this help to dispel the misplaced image that Japan is a country free of violence

Who has been saying that?

and is "safe"

It is safe.

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

There's another reason for the increase in reporting of DV. Divorce Lawyers. Anyone having marital difficulties needs to be aware that the latest trend is for people to be advised to consult with police and city offices re DV. Even just the fact that a person has gone to talk about DV will be considered in divorce and custody proceedings.

Domestic violence is terrible and must be stopped. But theres also the other side where many people especially foreigners end up divorced and never seeing their children because of the latest Lawyers use of DV complaints.

On that note, remember to never raise your voice no matter how you are being treated or what is done to you. You could be being set up and recorded - DV now includes being yelled at, being ignored, etc etc.

After talking with hundreds of people it's obvious that the police are remiss at following up real threats and bad situations while other people are being victimized through legal maneuvering in divorce/custody cases.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

Where are all the posters that constantly accuse the Police of manipulating crime stats?

0 ( +4 / -4 )

gaijinpapa makes a great point!

1 ( +4 / -3 )

So that means police shrugging their shoulders saying "We cant do anything until something serious happens" is also up?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Good to hear that more people are coming forward especially with DV. This can only result in greater prevention and an even safer environment for all

2 ( +2 / -0 )

It is safe.

Did you read the article? Japan is not safe if you are female or a child.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Weak mental state of the males here, they can't switch off and think they can own somebody like a possession.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Did you read the article? Japan is not safe if you are female or a child.

I did, and sure it is. One incident doth not a statistic make. Even 10 don't make statistics.

When comparing violence rates in Japan - even for women and children - it's one of the safest countries in the world.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Stranger, if you'd like to compare Japan to developing world, by all means. I'm comparing it to developed nations and sorry, the public deserve better. Women only cars in a developed nation is not a sign of safety. It's a sign that men here don't respect women. Oh I better do the whole "not all men" before you get upset.

And no, one incident DOES a statistic make. Your continual denial of there being issues here is why so many don't bother seeking help. Part of the problem or part of the solution. I know which I would rather be.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

I hope that articles like this help to dispel the misplaced image that Japan is a country free of violence and is "safe"

no, this article has not dispelled the image of Japan as being a "safe" country. you seem to be confused as to what the normal criteria are for labeling a country safe. domestic violence has never been used as an inidicator of safety. the relevant statistics are crime rates (e.g. rape, murder, burglary, etc.), where japan consistently ranks at the bottom.

and not even the most die-hard japanofiles have ever thought that japan is free from violence. that's just an absurd statement.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

t-marie : I totally agree with you.

Japan is safe until something happen to you!

I was assaulted 3 times and went to the police ( the koban) to complain each time. They did nothing,it is like nothing happened. I m pretty sure , any of my assaults have been registered...

I guess they are just there to control bike and explain the way to lost person. So, those statics must be below the truth, without counting people who never complain.

People report more, that is a good thing. I hope they will properly train the proximity police to do their job effectively!

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Let's hope the rise can be attributed to more victims speaking up rather than more crimes being committed.

Police also received reports of a record 69,908 cases of domestic violence, up 10.7% from the year before, marking a 13th consecutive year of increase.

As bad as those numbers are, they are still much, much lower than in most other countries including developed nations, so well done Japan (just checked home stats and that was pretty embarrassing). Hopefully more women, in Japan and abroad, will keep fighting and more importantly report all types of abuse after the very first time. And don't forget to leave the bloke/perpetrator asap.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I don't mean to victim blame, but a lot of stalking cases could be resolved if the victim was more communicative.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Stranger, if you'd like to compare Japan to developing world, by all means.

Developing world or first world, it doesn't matter, Japan stacks up amongst the safest in the world - even for women and children.

Women only cars in a developed nation is not a sign of safety. It's a sign that men here don't respect women.

That's a pretty one-dimensional view. I place it more as a peculiarity of Japanese responses to issues. But there's no doubting it's an effective one for women who don't want to be near men. Personally, I want a men-only car as well.

And no, one incident DOES a statistic make.

Nope. Statistics require a large sample size.

Your continual denial of there being issues here is why so many don't bother seeking help.

I seriously doubt anyone is not seeking help because I made some post on the internet about Japan being safe. Even I don't have that high an opinion of my comments.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

domestic violence has never been used as an inidicator of safety. the relevant statistics are crime rates (e.g. rape, murder, burglary, etc.), where japan consistently ranks at the bottom. Domestic isn't used because men are very low on the victim scale. You can bet it would be used if there were more male victims. As for rape, so under reported here it isn't even funny. When suspended sentences are given out to gang-rapists, no wonder women don't step up and report it. The cops ask them why they were drinking and what they were wearing. Suggesting that rape is on the low end of the scale due to reported rapes is part of the issue. Date rape is a huge issue in the developed world and is certainly a huge issue here. Japan takes pride in low reported rates but fails to understand why so few women come forward. Nothing o be proud about when others know the truth.

As bad as those numbers are, they are still much, much lower than in most other countries including developed nations, so well done Japan Actually, no. It's the opposite. DV is a huge issue here. It just isn't talked about. Women don't report it because for many it is something they see daily. That and when you have no job and no personal income, the idea of losing the roof over your head for a few split lips and bruises, well many take the beating instead of being homeless.

I don't mean to victim blame, but a lot of stalking cases could be resolved if the victim was more communicative. Yet that is exactly what you are doing. Communicative for what? "Hi police, my ex is stalking me." "Has he done anything physical to you? No? Then sorry, we can'T help and won't file a report." THAT is the reality of it here.

Developing world or first world, it doesn't matter, Japan stacks up amongst the safest in the world - even for women and children. I actually find it disrespectful towards Japan than you're so happy to compare it to a place like say, Pakistan. Being one of the safety doesn't mean it is safe. You do understand that, right? It seems you don't. I hope your wife and daughters are never assaulted or have anything happen to them because you present yourself as someone who wouldn't be supportive. Your continually "It is safe" is why so few people in this country are actually proactive is making it safer.

But there's no doubting it's an effective one for women who don't want to be near men. Personally, I want a men-only car as well. Yes, because we should live in a society where gender live separately. If you'd like to live in such a society there are numerous Muslim countries I could suggest for you.

Attitudes like yours ARE why women don't report thing.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Yeah, it would be great to believe the numbers have only increased due to an increase in reported cases. However, stating it's only increased for this reason could just be a convenient way of avoiding the truth that domestic violence and child abuse are on the rise. The economic climate in Japan is terrible at present. There is a lot more financial pressure on families for schooling fees. There is also the relatively new phenomenon called 'kabedon' forcing women into submission. Then, if you figure in the large drop in suicides without counselling you could very easily conclude that DV and child abuse are on the rise and it's not just more reported cases.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

you seem to be confused as to what the normal criteria are for labeling a country safe. domestic violence has never been used as an inidicator of safety

OK, don't you think it should be?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites