Citation

Yoshihama M. Womens Stud. Int. Forum 2002; 25(5): 541-553.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S0277-5395(02)00318-7

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Domestic violence in Japan has long been considered an insignificant, private problem. In the absence of government initiatives, an increasing number of initiatives have been developed in the private sector, mostly by grassroots, voluntary women's organizations. This paper analyzes the philosophy underlying policies and social services in Japan that significantly impact the welfare and safety of women who have been abused by their intimate partners. Outdated policy and service delivery frameworks shape practices of non-interference by the police, court, and social service systems; the few available interventions are unresponsive and at times detrimental to women's well-being. Recent changes in policies and service delivery have not altered the overall frameworks for policy and services, and thus their effectiveness remains limited. Reconceptualization of the welfare system and developing policies aimed at eradicating the root causes of domestic violence are urgently needed.