Apr 08, 2020 (Japan Today) - Support groups and individuals in Japan have raised the alarm that measures to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus in Japan may fuel domestic violence, as victims remain stuck at home with no avenues of escape.
The All Japan Women's Shelter Network, a nonprofit organization that provides care and assistance to domestic violence survivors, has submitted a letter urgently requesting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his government to give better support to victims amid an increase in teleworking and calls on people to refrain from going out.
While calling for an increase in consultation helplines and child protection facilities, the organization is also requesting that those fleeing from abusive homes are able to receive money directly if they belong to households qualifying for special pandemic-related economic assistance. Such payments would normally be made to the person designated as head of the household under Japan's family registration system, who is customarily the husband in a family.
The letter dated March 30 was also addressed to Seiko Hashimoto, minister in charge of women's empowerment, and health minister Katsunobu Kato, and contained reports made by women to the organization's consultation centers.
One was quoted as saying, "My husband started working from home and my children were out of school, so my husband became stressed and began to physically assault us."
Another called for the group to establish a members-only social media website for consultations since they were afraid to take the train to attend in-person counseling due to the virus.
