Japan police unveil model crime victim handbook

The NPA instructed prefectural police departments across the country to use the model to prepare a finalized handbook reflecting support measures provided by local governments, with distribution set to begin sequentially within the current fiscal year, which ends next March.

The introduction of the handbook was included in the fifth basic plan for supporting crime victims and their families, which was adopted at a cabinet meeting last month.

The introduction was decided in response to calls from victim support groups to reduce the mental burden on victims caused by having to repeatedly explain their experiences to support staff, and to ensure that victims can continue to receive support without difficulty even long after their victimization, including in cases where flashbacks occur.

The police will issue the handbook mainly to victims and their families, including bereaved families, in cases involving serious bodily harm.

In addition to a paper version, a digital version will also be created.

People who were victimized in the past will also be able to receive the handbook upon request.

The victim handbook, which expands on the content of the conventionally used guide booklet for victims, includes information on support programs, contact details for related organizations and explanations of criminal procedures, as well as spaces where victims can record various information themselves.

It also has a page for recording incident details, such as the date and time of occurrence, the victimization report number and descriptions of the specific circumstances.

There is also a page for recording information about the perpetrator and the lawyer in charge.

In addition, the handbook allows records of responses by the police and support groups, as well as the status of court proceedings, to be shown in a table form.

Concerns such as mental and physical problems can be reported using a checklist.

If crime victims find completing the checklist entries distressing, they can ask a supporter or others to fill them in on their behalf.

By showing the handbook, victims can avoid having to explain the details of what they went through repeatedly and can receive appropriate responses even if assistance becomes necessary several years later.

The NPA plans to provide training to prefectural police departments and support groups on how to use the handbook, while simultaneously examining the possibility of introducing a shared case record system that would allow relevant agencies to share records and progress of support efforts, with the aim of ensuring that no needed assistance is overlooked.