Violence against Women in Japan: A Review of Recent Trends and the Implications of the Victimization Survey

• In Event: Violence against Women

Abstract

The issue of violence against women in Japan has gained significant prominence due to the heightened awareness of women's rights and the enforcement of legislation and regulations pertaining to gender violence. The media has extensively reported on sexual scandals involving prominent individuals, such as television entertainers, which has played a crucial role in raising public awareness about violence and human rights violations against women. It is an indisputable phenomenon that public awareness of violence against women has reached an unprecedented level in the historical context of Japanese society. The objective of this study is threefold: first, to review the statistics related to violence against women and the victimization surveys conducted in Japan; second, to estimate the prevalence and the recent trends of violence against women; and third, to present the methodological problems with these Japanese surveys. To examine the trends of violence against women in Japan, the Criminal Statistics (The National Police Agency) and victimization surveys (The Research and Training Institute of the Ministry of Justice and The Gender Equality Bureau Cabinet Office) are employed.A synthesis of the results from these diverse sources reveals that the frequency of violence against women in Japan, while contingent on the nature of the violence, has exhibited a downward or stable trend over the past two decades. A significant finding of this study is the recognition that each survey possesses distinct strengths and limitations. It is therefore recommended that ongoing development and implementation of research on violence against women be prioritized to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.

Author

• Masahiro Tsushima, Ryukoku University