Domestic violence is a serious issue that millions worldwide struggle with. It comes in many forms – physical assault, emotional abuse, sexual violence, and even stalking, among other things. The direct impacts of domestic violence, like developing depression and anxiety disorders and trauma-related disorders, on victims cannot be understated. And the fallout of domestic violence cases can have similar lasting effects on unintended casualties like children, which makes it all the more devastating.
In a sinister twist to the “staying home saves lives” call, worldwide reports of domestic violence cases have been on the rise. And governments are beginning to take notice. In France, for example, CNN reports that a codeword has been setup to allow victims to covertly report abuse in the home. The French government will also provide 20,000 hotel rooms for evacuees. Australia has also seen an increase in reports and is responding with additional financial support for victims. According to the Washington Post, Greenland meanwhile, has banned alcohol in an effort to curb domestic violence.
Although stay at home measures are not strictly enforced, domestic violence reports in Japan have seen a rise in past years and, as Kyodo News writes, concern for victims is just as present with calls of this unintended consequence coming in. The issue of the one-time ¥100,000 special payment (特別定額給付金) for all Japanese residents, in particular, is being taken seriously.
Withholding finances from the victim or holding the victim’s financial independence hostage ensures that their abuser has the upper hand. It is crucial to maintaining the grave power imbalance in the relationship. Victims who are denied finances, especially those with dependents, have little chance of escape. And those that do manage to escape are often left with no means to support themselves, an advantage that abusers press to reclaim victims.
To that end, the Japanese government has setup a special request form to prevent abusers from receiving benefits on behalf of victims who have evacuated or from learning their victim’s new address.
For more details, see our translation of the relevant documents here (info, form 1, form 2).
The original Japanese can be found here (info, form 1, form 2).
Important:
‣Please turn in the “request form (申出書)” to the 特別給付金 (tokubetsu kyufukin) or cash payment section at the city/ward/town/village office of your current address during the application period (April 24th to 30th, 2020).
‣You can still turn in the “request form (申出書)” after April 30th, 2020.
‣You still need to apply for the cash payment (特別給付金) in addition to applying for the “request form (申出書)”.
If you or anyone you know is currently experiencing domestic violence, please reach out to your municipal office, call a support organization like the Tokyo Women’s Plaza (support in 5 languages), or direct the victim to do the same. Please know that there is love and help out there for you.
Featured image by Dan Meyers on Unsplash
