In just one day, it has been 18 years since the Basic Law for Crime Victims, which specified the rights of crime victims for the first time, was enacted.
When NHK conducted a survey of Crime Victim Support Centers nationwide, which are private organizations that play a central role in supporting victims, 80% of the respondents said they were worried about their mid- to long-term management.
As the need for victim support increases, how to maintain the support system has become an issue.
Crime Victim Support Centers are located in every prefecture in Japan, and private organizations such as public interest incorporated associations and NPOs collaborate with the police and other organizations to provide support for crime victims, such as consultations and court attendance, without setting a deadline. It's free.
NHK conducted a questionnaire survey of 48 victim support centers nationwide and received responses from 45 organizations in order to grasp the actual situation of support sites.
When asked about the medium- to long-term management of the center, a total of 38 organizations, or 80% ( 84%).
When asked about the reasons with multiple answers, the most common reasons were "lack of financial resources necessary for support" and "lack of personnel involved in support" at 92% each, followed by "aging of people involved in support" at 66%. % etc.
Some of them have earnest voices such as "I cannot secure the necessary personnel due to financial concerns," "The number of consultations is increasing and I am worried about the future if I can provide the necessary support," and "I can no longer provide support on a volunteer basis." were also submitted several times.
In addition, when asked with multiple answers what is necessary to make operations and support activities smoother and more sustainable, 96% answered "financial support from national and local governments," followed by "improvement and expansion of ordinances by local governments." 64%, and 60% said, "Enhancement and development of laws and systems by the country."
According to the "National Crime Victim Support Network," in which centers nationwide are members, the total number of consultations regarding crime victims that were received last year reached more than 39,000 nationwide, and the number is increasing year by year.
As the need for support increases, how to maintain a sustainable support system has become a major issue.
Victim support site Some voices of concern about the continuation of operation
While needs are increasing from the scene of victim support, there are also voices of concern that the operation will not be able to continue due to lack of manpower and funds.
This is the "Osaka Advocacy Center for Victims" in Osaka City, which answered in an NHK survey that it "cannot continue operating at this rate" regarding its medium- to long-term prospects.
Staff who have undergone training and have acquired specialized knowledge respond to consultations from victims and bereaved families over the phone or face-to-face, and when necessary, accompany the police or the court, and conduct trials on behalf of victims who feel physically and mentally burdened. We provide all kinds of support free of charge.
Osaka has the second highest number of recognized criminal offenses in Japan.
The support provided by the center has increased year by year, and last year it was 2,321 times, nearly double the number ten years ago.
However, the needs are increasing and the expenses associated with the activities are increasing, but the operation is forced to rely on donations, etc., and the reality is unstable.
Since 2018, the deficit has continued, and last year it was a deficit of more than 3 million yen.
This situation is also affecting the employment of support staff.
The center's operations are supported by 47 part-time and volunteer staff, in addition to one full-time staff member in charge of accounting and other matters.
It is essential to develop young human resources in order to continue support activities that are close to the victims as it is now, but it is financially difficult to hire new staff because only 15% of the staff are under the age of 40. It's called.
Hiroko Kimura, who serves as the secretary general of the center, said, "I am working hard with clenched teeth in the hope that the flame of support for victims will not be extinguished. Support requires knowledge and skills, and training takes time and effort. I feel that I need the support of local governments and society so that the supporters can carry out their activities with peace of mind."
Expert "Active involvement of the national government and collaboration between private centers and local governments"
Fujie Ito, a visiting researcher at Sophia University who is familiar with the field of victim support, commented on the results of the survey, saying, "The role of private support centers, which can provide meticulous support over the medium to long term from immediately after a victim is victimized, is significant. There is a social need. In addition, it is a big problem that we are facing financial difficulties and are unable to develop new human resources."
After that, he said, "By stabilizing the financial base, it will be possible to provide generous support. In addition to the active involvement of the government in solving problems, private centers with a track record of support and local governments will collaborate and cooperate, It is necessary to create a support system so that people can live with peace of mind in their communities."
[Details] Answers to the questionnaire
This is the result of the questionnaire to 48 crime victim support centers nationwide.
(45 responses).
[What are the strengths of support activities unique to private organizations?]
▼Able to provide medium- to long-term support: 58%
▼Support by staff with specialized knowledge: 16%
▼Able to provide free support: 13%
▼Support in cooperation with the police: 7%
▼Victims and their families are involved in support: 0% ▼
Support in cooperation with local governments: 0%
▼Others: 7%
[Medium- to long-term
80%
▼Unable to continue operation: 4%
▼
No concerns about management: 9%
▼Others: No answer・7%
[Reasons for concerns about operation or not being able to operate (multiple answers)]
▼Insufficient financial resources for support: 92%
▼Insufficient personnel involved in support: 92%
▼Persons involved in support Aging population: 66%
▼Mental burden on those involved in support: 24%
▼Increase in the number of
consultations: 11% ▼Decrease in the number of consultations: 0%
▼Others: 8%
( (From
free description)
“We are unable to secure the necessary personnel due to financial concerns
.
”
“The financial resources are support membership fees
and
donations, but it is difficult due to the impact of the corona crisis.” ▼Development and expansion of ordinances by local governments
…
64%
▼Expansion and improvement of laws and systems by the national government…60%
▼Strengthening of human resource development and training by national and local governments…44%
▼Lawyers 20%
▼Strengthening cooperation between support centers: 4%
▼Others: 7
% (Multiple answers allowed)]
▼Local government financial security and consolation money systems: 74%
▼Support varies by local government and region: 71%
▼Compensation claims for perpetrators ▼Amount of National Benefits for Crime Victims
・・・40%
▼
Period until payment of National Benefits for Crime Victims ・・・31%
▼Others ・・・10 %
(From free description)
“The support for daily life that occurs at the beginning of the damage is not yet sufficient
. If this situation continues, regional disparities will arise and the victims will be left behind.”
“There are many victims and their families who are suffering from economic hardship
. Large regional differences in support among local governments
"There are victims who have lost their income due to crime damage or who have no choice but to leave their jobs to care for them, and there are victims who will not be able to live next month, but the benefits will be paid six months later."
"Even if the case is resolved, the damage will not be resolved. Since cash payments cannot be made, it is necessary to establish a system
of
monetary compensation and condolence money from local governments
.
” It would be great if we could live in a world where the national and local governments take the initiative to put in place systems.”
“
Private sector support centers are not needed during normal times, but I am proud that they are indispensable organizations for victims.
We often face the reality that the human rights of victims are not protected.I feel that support centers can play a role in helping victims to improve their problems without making any effort.”