The Basic Act on Crime Victims, etc. was enforced in April 2005. This Act intends to comprehensively and systematically promote policies for crime victims, etc. (victims of crime and similar acts that adversely affect the body and mind of victims and their families, and bereaved family members) in order to protect their rights and interests. In accordance with the Act, the Basic Plan for Crime Victims, etc. was determined on December 27, 2005 by the Cabinet meeting, which defines the policies to be implemented comprehensively and in the long-term by the Government for those victims.

The Basic Plan for Crime Victims, etc. contains a number of measures to further strengthen protection and support for crime victims, etc. and the Ministry of Justice actively engages in efforts to realize these measures. For example, under the Act on the Payment of Damages Recovery Based on the Property of Crime Victims, etc., which came into effect in December 2006, it is now possible, under certain conditions, to confiscate such property of the crime victims, etc. obtained by offenders through criminal acts of offenses against property or to collect a sum of equivalent value from such offenders and to use such property or value for the recovery of damages suffered by the crime victims. In June 2007, the Act Amending Part of the Code of Criminal Procedure with the Aim of Protection of the Rights and Interests of Crime Victims, etc. was enacted, which introduces procedures for crime victims, etc. to participate in criminal trials and to make use of the outcome of the criminal proceedings in claims for damages. Moreover, the Ministry of Justice has implemented several measures for crime victims, etc. since December 1, 2007, to consider the opinions of crime victims, etc. in the parole hearing process, and to inform the probationer of the living conditions and the feelings of crime victims, etc. under the Offenders Rehabilitation Law(※) promulgated in June 2007, as well as to provide crime victims, etc. with counsel and support by probation offices. Besides, since December 1, 2007, the Ministry of Justice has expanded the victim notification scheme so that the related institutions strengthen cooperation with each other to provide the information at the request of crime victims, etc. on the treatment etc. of the offenders whose judgments became final and binding, and that of the juveniles who received a protective measure, whereas the Public Prosecutors Office had notified the crime victims, etc. of the information about the result of the disposition and judgment and release of the offenders, etc.

Contributing to the planning and organization of appropriate measures for crime prevention and reduction of recidivism, in fiscal year 2007, the Third Domestic Crime Victimization Survey was conducted nationwide to reveal the actual state of hidden crime. The outcome of this survey will be published as part of the White Paper on Crime 2008.

In addition, the Japan Legal Support Center provides various types of information on supporting crime victims and family members, and refers victims to attorneys-at-law who specialize in offering assistance to victims.

　※temporary name

(Secretarial Division, Judicial System Department, Civil Affairs Bureau, Criminal Affairs Bureau, Correction Bureau, Rehabilitation Bureau, Human Rights Bureau, and Research and Training Institute of the Ministry of Justice)