The Reality of Sexual Violence as Seen from Support Sites

Abstract

  Currently, at least one “one-stop center for victims of sexual violence” has been established in each prefecture, and victims ask for their consultation on a daily basis. The report rate for sexual violence is low. Still, many victims consider filing a report with the police because they cannot forgive the perpetrator or want to prevent the perpetrator from reoffending. However, even if you consult the police, there are legal barriers, such as the victim’s report not being accepted unless it is proven that the victim was assaulted or threatened and tried to resist or that the situation was such that they were unable to resist. There was a legal barrier. In 2017, sexual crimes under the Criminal Code were significantly revised for the first time in 110 years, but the requirement for “threat of violence,” which requires the victim to resist, was not revised. In 2019, four acquittals were made public, sparking flower demonstrations in which the parties and supporters across the country chanted, “We need another legal reform.” Then, in June 2023, the Penal Code was amended and became a crime of “non-consensual sexual intercourse, etc.,” which states that “sexual intercourse without consent is a crime.” However, on-site checks are required to ensure they are interpreted and applied appropriately. The government has also come up with measures to strengthen measures against sexual crimes and sexual violence. Still, there is no legal basis for one-stop centers, the financial base is weak, and significant regional disparities in support content exist.