Tomoko ENDO
Director, National Women’s Shelter Net
【The article below is the same as the article that appears in the ninth issue of the CGS Newsletter.】
National Women’s Shelter Net, a nationwide network for DV (domestic violence) victim support groups, held its 10th National Shelter Symposium, “Message from Asia: Eradicating Violence Against Women,” over a period of three days from Nov 23, 2007. Being their first international forum, it was a valuable opportunity for international exchange and to share a common feeling that the damage inflicted by DV is the same across national borders. There was much to learn from other countries, such as South Korea, which have more advanced support systems than ours. It was an unprecedented event in many ways ? a total attendance of 2,500 people, widespread media coverage, an address by the Prime Minister, and sponsorship by 64 organizations. As a member of Shelter Net, I am relieved and overjoyed that this event was so successful beyond all our expectations.
The forum saw two new major endeavors. The first was to appeal for public participation, by launching a website, airing radio commercials, putting up posters at stations and even holding a press conference. This drew positive feedback from the public, with many people saying that we had taken a significant step forward in the mainstreaming of DV elimination.
The other venture was to push for the eradication of all forms of violence against women, not just DV. Discussions by the executive committee highlighted the need to pursue the problem of sexual violence victims who often find it difficult to speak out. There was also a motion to set up a sectional committee which could compile reports on the actual conditions of sexual violence victims and the extent of damages, and work towards establishing a sexual violence prevention act.
In my own activities for DV law amendment, I have come to realize that all people concerned with the eradication of violence, regardless of whether they are DV victims or not, are in need of a space where they can assemble. A collective space that clearly prioritizes the victims, like Shelter Net, makes it easier for people to come together. It gives us a feeling of both trust and relief to hear the voices of the victims which form our common ground. I believe that this marks the path for our future activities.
Japan is completely behind other developed nations in terms of its institutions and policies regarding sexual violence. Legislative improvements aside, even basic aspects such as the support system for victims of sexual violence are insufficient. Women are not properly informed of what to do when they are victimized, and they often face harmful secondary effects if they try to press charges. In many countries, specialists with experience in dealing with sexual violence are dispatched as soon as victims report to the police.
Since the international forum, there has been a growing call by participants for the establishment of legislation to prevent sexual violence. In order to muster the forces to effect change in this country, we must make the voices of the victims heard. While there will be many difficulties ahead, already there are preparations underway to create a system and provide a space where people can feel safe to voice their opinions. I would like to call on as many people as possible to support the development of legislation towards the complete eradication of all forms of violence against women.