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This guide explains how sexual abuse is treated from a legal and practical perspective in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Sexual abuse covers a range of harmful behaviors - for example, rape, sexual assault, indecent assault, sexual coercion, exploiting minors, and distribution or production of sexual material involving children. These acts can give rise to criminal prosecution, civil claims for damages, and administrative or protective measures.
In Japan, sexual crimes are governed primarily by national criminal statutes and by specific laws that protect children and victims. Local governments and prefectures also operate support services, counseling, and medical facilities for survivors. If you believe you or someone you know has been sexually abused in Shizuoka, it is important to preserve evidence, seek medical care, and get legal advice about reporting options and protective measures.
There are many reasons people dealing with sexual abuse choose to consult a lawyer. A lawyer can:
- Explain your criminal and civil options in plain language, including what will happen if you report to police.
- Help preserve and collect evidence properly, and advise on forensic medical examinations.
- Assist with communication with police, prosecutors, hospitals, social services, and other agencies.
- Represent you if the case goes to trial, or if the prosecutor declines to indict and you want to pursue a private prosecution or civil claim.
- Seek protective measures such as restraining orders, emergency injunctions, or help obtaining shelter.
- Negotiate compensation or settlement with the alleged perpetrator or their insurer, and handle paperwork for compensation systems.
- Coordinate medical, psychological, and social support referrals and help ensure confidentiality and victim rights are respected.
Key legal points to understand in Shizuoka and throughout Japan:
- Criminal Prosecution: Rape, sexual assault, and related acts are criminal offenses under Japanese criminal law. Prosecutors decide whether to bring charges after a police investigation. Victims should know that the criminal process is initiated by reporting to the police, but a lawyer can help at every stage.
- Protection for Minors: There are strong national and local laws protecting minors from sexual exploitation, including laws against child prostitution and the production, possession, or distribution of sexual images involving children. Prefectural ordinances and child welfare provisions typically operate alongside national law to provide additional protections.
- Evidence and Medical Exams: Forensic medical examinations can collect evidence that is important for prosecution. You can often get an examination even if you are undecided about filing a police report. Preserve clothing, electronic messages, and other potential evidence; do not wash or discard them if you plan to seek criminal or civil remedies.
- Civil Remedies: Survivors can file civil lawsuits for damages based on assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, or violations of privacy. Civil claims can seek compensation for medical expenses, psychological treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Protective Orders and Support Measures: Depending on circumstances, victims can request protection orders or emergency measures that limit contact from the alleged perpetrator. Domestic violence laws provide specific protections when the perpetrator is an intimate partner. For non-intimate relationships, civil injunctions and criminal restraining measures may be available.
- Confidentiality and Victim Support: The criminal justice system and health providers have procedures to protect victims privacy. Many public bodies and NGOs provide counseling, shelters, and specialized support. Local authorities will often try to coordinate services so victims can access medical and psychological care, legal advice, and social support.
- Time Limits and Procedure: Statutes of limitation vary by offense and have been reformed in recent years to extend limitation periods for serious sexual crimes. Because time limits and procedural rules are important, consult a lawyer quickly to avoid losing legal rights.
If you are in immediate danger call 110. For non-emergency situations you can go to a police station to file a report, or contact a consultation desk at the local police for guidance. You may also first obtain a medical examination or counseling. A lawyer can accompany you during the report or advise on the most appropriate steps.
No. Many hospitals and designated medical facilities can perform a forensic examination and preserve evidence even if you have not decided to file a police report. Tell the hospital staff you want an examination for potential sexual assault evidence. A lawyer can explain how to preserve evidence and the implications of different choices.
If the alleged abuser is an intimate partner, you may be able to request protections under domestic violence laws, such as protective orders and evacuation support. Municipal offices, women consultation centers, and shelters can provide emergency assistance. A lawyer can help apply for injunctions and advise on criminal and civil remedies.
Yes. Criminal prosecution and civil actions are separate. Even if prosecutors decide not to pursue charges, you may still file a civil lawsuit seeking compensation. A lawyer can assess the strengths of a civil claim and help gather evidence and witnesses.
Minors are given special protections. Child consultation centers and welfare agencies intervene in cases involving minors. Professionals will prioritize the minor's safety and well-being, and legal options may include criminal charges, protective custody, and child welfare measures. Contact the municipal child consultation center for immediate advice, and consult a lawyer experienced in child protection law.
Police and prosecutors generally try to protect victims privacy, and many services provide confidential counseling. However, criminal proceedings are part of the public system and some details can become part of the record. A lawyer can explain confidentiality limits and help manage disclosures to protect your privacy as much as possible.
Timing varies widely. Investigations, prosecutor review, and court proceedings can take months to years depending on the complexity and whether the case goes to trial. A lawyer can give a realistic timeline based on the specifics of your case and help set expectations for each stage.
Important evidence can include forensic findings from medical exams, photographs of injuries, clothing, electronic messages, call logs, witness statements, surveillance footage, and contemporaneous records of the incident made by the victim. Preserve anything that could be relevant and consult a lawyer about collection and chain of custody issues.
There are several possible avenues for financial help, including compensation through civil suits, claims against an offender or a responsible third party, and public or private victim support funds in particular situations. The Japan Legal Support Center and local bar associations can explain available financial assistance and any support for litigation costs.
Contact the Shizuoka Bar Association for lawyer referrals, or use the Japan Legal Support Center to find consultation programs. Ask prospective lawyers about their experience with sexual abuse cases, criminal and civil litigation, victim protection measures, and working with medical and counseling services.
Organizations and bodies that can be helpful if you need legal advice or support in Shizuoka include:
- Local police stations and the Shizuoka Prefectural Police - for reporting crimes and immediate protection.
- Municipal women consultation centers and shelters - for counseling, safety planning, and emergency housing.
- Municipal child consultation centers - for cases involving minors.
- Shizuoka Bar Association - for lawyer referrals and legal consultation services.
- Japan Legal Support Center (Houterasu) - a national public agency that provides information on legal options, consultation, and financial support for litigation where eligible.
- Hospitals and designated medical facilities that provide forensic examinations and medical care for sexual assault survivors.
- Victim support services - both public and nongovernmental groups that provide counseling, accompaniment to police or court, and practical support. Many prefectures have victim support centers or victim liaison offices.
When seeking help, ask whether services offer support in languages other than Japanese if you are not fluent, and whether they provide female-only staff or other accommodations you may need.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse in Shizuoka, consider these practical next steps:
- Ensure immediate safety - if you are in danger call 110 right away. For medical emergencies call 119.
- Preserve evidence - avoid washing clothing, bathing, or deleting messages if you want to preserve evidence for police or civil claims. Keep electronic communications and take photographs of injuries.
- Seek medical care - get a medical examination as soon as possible. Ask about forensic evidence collection even if you are unsure about reporting.
- Get legal advice - contact the Shizuoka Bar Association or the Japan Legal Support Center for a referral to an attorney experienced in sexual abuse cases. Early legal advice can protect your rights and guide your choices.
- Use support services - reach out to local counseling centers, shelters, and victim support services for emotional support, safety planning, and practical assistance.
- Keep records - write down what happened as soon as you can, and keep notes of names, dates, communications, and actions taken. This can help lawyers, police, and courts.
- Make informed choices - you control whether to report, to seek civil damages, or to pursue other remedies. Legal professionals and victim support workers can explain options and help you decide what is best for your situation.
This guide is informational and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and procedures change, and situations vary. For personalized legal advice, consult a qualified lawyer in Shizuoka who has experience in sexual abuse cases.
