"I never thought I would be able to escape."
A woman who repeatedly ran away from home due to abuse and refusal to attend school asked for her place in a host club when she was 18.
Her job was prostitution, which was introduced to the host that she would "take care of her work as well."
Along with her woman's testimony, we will also introduce in detail what to do when you are in trouble and where to consult her.
Seeking a place to belong in the word "Welcome back"
NHK interviewed a woman in her 20s who had been forced into prostitution at a host club in Kabukicho, Tokyo, where she was asked to repay millions of yen in accounts receivable.
"When I entered the host club, I was greeted as 'Welcome back,' and it felt like
home." I'll take care of your work," he said, which prompted him to go to a host club in Kabukicho.
“Isolation from society, no escape”
It is said that the host introduced me to a prostitution job, and for about two years, I continued to repeat prostitution in hotels and other places according to the messages sent to my mobile phone from the host about 10 times a day.
In such a lifestyle, women use "accounts receivables", in which the restaurant or host pays for their food and drinks in advance, and as they continue to go to host clubs, the amount of accounts receivables grows rapidly, and women are mentally ill. I was pushed physically.
“When the amount of accounts receivable increased to hundreds of thousands, or even millions, I was forced to work so hard that I didn’t even have time to sleep, and I didn’t know what to do. I didn't think I could escape."
Cases of arrests on the host side
Although not this woman's case, there was an incident this month in which a host was arrested.
A former host, who worked at a host club in Kabukicho, Tokyo, demanded that she pay back approximately 10 million yen in arrears, and said, "Come and make money quickly." He was arrested on suspicion of violating the Prevention Act.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the suspicion that women were repeatedly prostituted at sex shops in five prefectures, including Ehime and Fukushima, in addition to Tokyo.
In addition, two people were arrested for introducing a woman to a sex shop at the request of a former host, and 10 people, including the owner of a sex shop, were arrested for providing a place for prostitution.
"Work at the customs and pay back" A series of consultations What should I do?
According to the NPO Kaze Terrace, which supports women working in the sex industry, host clubs generally use "accounts receivable," in which the restaurant or the host pays for the customer's food and drink in advance. However, there are cases where a large amount of payment is requested without showing the breakdown of the fee.
At this organization, female customers complained that they were being pressured to pay back their accounts receivable and were threatened to tell their parents' homes and workplaces, and that they were instructed to work at a sex shop and pay it back. are being sent one after another.
The organization says that there are cases where it is not necessary to pay a large amount of accounts receivable at the host club, so after leaving evidence such as
details of charges and
▽ exchanges with the host on SNS etc., we call on you to consult early. increase.
Don't take malicious threats
Shingo Sakazume, the head of the group, said, "It's wrong to say, 'Work at a brothel because you're in debt.' I want you to feel free to consult me without holding it by yourself."
The group regularly holds free consultations with lawyers, etc., and the schedule and reservation method are posted on the group's website.
Kaze Terrace (This is the website of an NPO that supports women working in the sex industry.)
* Leaving the NHK site
“There are many people who can help me.”
The woman who responded to NHK's interview was later consulted with a support group found on SNS and was protected.
"The day after I consulted, the person in charge came to see me, and I thought, 'I really can get away with it.' There are cases where you don't have to pay accounts receivable to women who are in the same situation as I was at the time. And I want to tell you that there are surprisingly many people who are willing to lend a hand.”
where to consult women
Prefectures and municipalities across Japan have set up "Women's Centers" and "Gender Equality Centers" to receive various consultations from women.
Among these, at the "Women's Counseling Center" in Tokyo, specialized counselors provide counseling on sexual violence, economic worries, and where to live for women living in Tokyo.
For residents of the 23 wards,
call 03-5261-3110
Weekdays
: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and year-end and New Year holidays: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m. -522-4232
Weekdays: 9 am-4pm
Where to consult regarding sexual crimes and sexual violence
Consultation on sexual crimes and sexual violence is accepted at the
phone number "#8891"
.
This is a nationwide abbreviated number set up by the Cabinet Office. Calling "#8891" will connect you to the nearest support center, and if necessary, you will be provided with treatment at a medical institution or legal support.
The Metropolitan Police Department also urges people to consult with the nearest police station without hesitation if there is a possibility that they may be involved in a crime.