The Japanese government has proposed a comprehensive 5th Basic Plan to enhance support for crime victims and their families, incorporating a one-stop service system and detailed tracking of support processes.
On October 10, the Japanese government finalized its 5th Basic Plan proposal aimed at improving measures and support for crime victims and their families, discussed during a meeting led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. This proposal, scheduled for cabinet approval, aims to consolidate two decades of efforts since the inception of the first plan and focuses on establishing a one-stop support service that streamlines assistance for victims.
The new plan will be implemented over a five-year period starting in fiscal 2026 and outlines five key areas of focus: restoration of victims' damages and financial assistance, recovery and prevention of mental and physical harm, expanded involvement in criminal proceedings, improvement of the support system, and enhancement of public understanding. The proposal includes various initiatives across 307 measures from multiple ministries, showcasing an increase in collaborative efforts to assist victims.
Additionally, the plan emphasizes the establishment of coordinators in prefectures to centralize information and foster cooperation among relevant organizations to launch the one-stop service by 2024. Key features of the plan include the documentation of victims' situations and support processes through a 'victim handbook' and the introduction of electronic record-keeping to ensure continuity and sharing of support provided by different agencies, aiming to strengthen the overall framework of victim assistance in Japan.
