What is domestic abuse?
1)
Facts and Statistics
The numbers don't lie: they tell a straightforward story about the prevalence and harmful effects of abuse.
The facts tell a straightforward story…
Domestic abuse is all too common in the UK, and its harmful impacts on survivors can extend to many areas of their lives, including mental health, physical wellbeing and family safety.
2)
Fact: The police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds.
Yet it is estimated that less than 24% of domestic abuse crimes are reported to the police.
3)
Fact: 1 in 4 women in England and Wales will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime.
Domestic abuse feels incredibly isolating, but the numbers tell a different story: you are not alone.
4)
Fact: On average, two women a week are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales.
If you are afraid of your partner, Refuge is here to help you. Always call 999 in an emergency.
5)
Fact: It takes, on average, seven attempts before a woman can leave for good.
Leaving an abusive partner is a process, not a single act.
6)
Fact: Domestic abuse is linked to depression and homelessness.
Women who experience domestic abuse are twice as likely to experience depression, and 40% of homeless women state domestic abuse as a contributory factor to their homelessness.
7)
Fact: Domestic abuse can lead women to suicide.
It is estimated that around three women a week die by suicide as a result of domestic abuse.
8)
Fact: 20% of children in the UK have lived with an adult perpetrating domestic abuse.
That's 1 in 5 kids.
9)
Fact: Domestic abuse gets worse during pregnancy.
About 20% of women in Refuge's services are pregnant or have recently given birth.
10)
Fact: Young girls in the UK report a high incidence of sexual violence.
41% of UK girls aged 14 to 17 in an intimate relationship experienced some form of sexual violence from their partner.
11)
Fact: 93% of defendants in domestic abuse cases are male; 84% of victims are female.
And yet, women are three times more likely to be arrested for incidents of abuse.
12)
Fact: Domestic abuse costs the UK an estimated £23 billion a year.
It is weighing not only on our physical and emotional health but also on our economy.
Add info No1)
Q. Why are the following crimes being committed?
Please tell us about the historical background and social structure.
Sexual violence (trigger warning):
1 in 4 women in England and Wales will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime
On average, two women a week are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales
A)
Sexual violence and domestic abuse are complex issues rooted in a combination of historical, social, and cultural factors. They reflect deep-seated inequalities and power imbalances within societies. Understanding why these crimes are committed involves looking at various interconnected factors, including gender norms, societal attitudes, historical context, and the structure of the legal and social welfare systems. Here is an overview touching on these aspects:
B)
Historical Context
Patriarchy and Gender Norms: Historically, many societies have been organized around patriarchal principles, where men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. In such a context, women have been subjugated and considered inferior or subordinate, which has contributed to the normalization of their abuse. This historical imbalance in power dynamics between genders has perpetuated a culture that undervalues and exploits women.
C)
Legal Frameworks: For a long time, laws around the world reflected these patriarchal values, often failing to protect women from domestic abuse and sexual violence or to prosecute perpetrators effectively. In England and Wales, for example, marital rape was not recognized as a crime until 1991. This legal background has implications for the prevalence and societal attitudes towards these crimes.
D)
Social Structure and Cultural Factors
Socialization and Gender Stereotypes: From a young age, individuals are socialized into specific gender roles and expectations. Stereotypes about masculinity and femininity can reinforce harmful behaviours and attitudes. For example, aggressive behaviour and dominance may be encouraged in men, while women may be socialized to be passive or submissive. These stereotypes can contribute to environments where abusive behaviour is tolerated or normalized.
E)
Economic Factors: Economic dependency is a significant factor in domestic abuse situations. Victims may feel trapped in abusive relationships due to financial constraints or lack of access to resources, which is a reflection of broader economic inequalities in society.
F)
Silence and Stigma: Victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse often face stigma and blame, discouraging them from reporting the abuse. This culture of silence is reinforced by societal attitudes that may question the credibility of victims or minimize their experiences.
G)
Lack of Support Systems: Inadequate support and protection mechanisms for victims can perpetuate the cycle of abuse. This includes insufficient legal protection, lack of shelters, and limited access to counselling and support services.
H)
Moving Forward
Efforts to address and reduce domestic abuse and sexual violence involve comprehensive approaches that include legal reforms, education, and changing societal attitudes. Education and awareness campaigns can challenge harmful stereotypes and promote gender equality. Strengthening legal frameworks and support systems for victims is also crucial. Additionally, promoting economic empowerment and independence for women can reduce vulnerability to abuse.
I)
In recent years, there has been increased awareness and advocacy around these issues, leading to positive changes in legislation, policy, and social attitudes in many countries, including England and Wales. However, the statistics you've cited highlight the ongoing challenges and the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of sexual violence and domestic abuse.
Add info No2)
Aiming to create a better system that protects victims of sexual violence
Current status of sexual violence in Japan
https://hrn.or.jp/activities/project/women/womensrights-2020/
1)
According to a survey by the Cabinet Office, 1 in 14 women and 1 in 100 men answered that they had experienced forced sexual intercourse. In other words, it is estimated that approximately 4.64 million women and 610,000 men in Japan have been victims.
2)
On the other hand, in 2019, there were 1,405 cases of forced sex, etc. Approximately 470 cases, or 33.6%, resulted in prosecution. The prosecution rate for criminal law offences in the same year was 38.2% (Reiwa 2nd Edition Crime White Paper), which shows that the prosecution rate for crimes such as forced sexual intercourse is low compared to other countries.
3)
Following the #MeToo movement that began in 2017, victims of sexual violence have started to speak out in Japan. However, despite the seriousness of violence against women, the legal system lags far behind international standards. Additionally, the culture of consuming women as objects of sexual desire is widespread, and women who speak up are subject to bashing, creating a situation where it is difficult to speak up.
4)
Those who sin will be punished. However, in today's Japanese society, there is no end to cases in which victims of sexual violence are blamed and their perpetrators are acquitted.
In June 2017, the criminal law regarding sexual violence was significantly revised for the first time in 110 years. As a result, the crime of rape (renamed "forced sexual intercourse, etc." after the revision) was punishable regardless of gender, and the punishment was increased from three years to five years in prison.
5)
However, even after the revision, for the crime of rape to be established, strict requirements are still required, including proof that there was not only non-consensual sexual intercourse but also assault, intimidation, insanity, and inability to resist. As a result, there have been several cases where the police have not accepted the crime report, or even if it has been received, the case has not been prosecuted.
Furthermore, even in the case of sexual acts against children over the age of 13, the crime against the perpetrator is treated in the same way as sexual violence against adults, which ignores the rights of children. Ta.
6)
"Is rape a sudden act of being committed by a stranger?"
Many people believe that rape is a sudden act committed by a stranger. But did you know that this is a misconception that is not based on reality? Approximately 83% of rape victims are committed by someone they know, such as an acquaintance, friend, or boss (research in 2020). Many victims are unable to resist because it is someone they know.
7)
Additionally, in cases of victimization by someone in a powerful relationship, such as a boss, teacher, or parent, many victims are unable to speak up because they are concerned about retribution or subsequent interpersonal relationships. As a result, about 36.6% of victims of forced sexual intercourse, etc., answered that they consulted someone about the damage (2020).
8)
Reasons for not seeking advice include, "I was too embarrassed to tell anyone," "I didn't know where (or who) to turn to for advice," and "I thought I could keep going as long as I could." was given. In Japan, the current situation is that people who have been sexually assaulted are considered shameful and cannot quickly seek advice.
9)
Additionally, the tendency to treat sexual assault as something difficult to talk about has led to victims not knowing the existence of institutions they can consult with. However, as many as 66.2% of people answered that their lives had changed as a result of experiencing sexual assault (survey in 2020), indicating that sexual assault has long-term effects on the mind and body. Sexual violence is difficult to prove due to various factors. Even if the number of consultations is slight, many people suffer and cannot speak out.
10)
Human Rights Now examined the provisions regarding sexual crimes in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden, Finland, South Korea, and Taiwan (2018). As a result, it was found that Japan is behind all other countries in terms of victim protection.
The trend of legal systems around the world has shifted from the "No Means No" model, which punishes all sexual acts without the victim's consent as "sexual assault," to the "No Means No" model, which punishes all sexual acts without the consent of the victim as "sexual assault."
This is changing to a "Yes Means Yes" type of punishment, where doing such things is subject to punishment. However, until the criminal law reform in 2023, Japan did not have a No Means No type legal system.
