Japan Reports 47 Cases of Child Abuse by Religious Group Members in 18 Months

Japan's Children and Families Agency has reported 47 cases of child abuse by religious group members over an 18-month period from April 2022 to September 2023. The survey, conducted by the agency, found that about 16% of child consultation centers across the country handled these cases, with 19 victims temporarily placed in protective care.

According to the report, the most common form of abuse was psychological, with 11 centers reporting cases of "causing fear through words or images and restricting free will." Other forms of abuse included forcing children to participate in religious activities or publicly declare their belief in a certain religion.

The agency noted that it was difficult to determine whether some cases constituted abuse, such as when children were punished for wrongdoing or when parents tried to cure a high fever through fasting. In one case, a person died in an outpatient clinic after not seeking medical attention and instead being treated by a religious official.

Why this matters: The findings highlight the need for increased awareness and measures to address child abuse linked to religious beliefs in Japan. The agency considers the reported cases to be just the tip of the iceberg and plans to work with the education ministry to create an environment where affected children can seek help more easily.

Around half of the 28 interviewed victims said they were unable to seek help. The agency stated that the 47 confirmed cases are likely only a fraction of the actual number of incidents occurring. In response to the findings, the agency plans to consider new measures to tackle the issue and provide support for the victims.

The Children and Families Agency emphasized the importance of understanding the full scope of the problem, with an official stating, "We believe this is just the tip of the iceberg. We will work to grasp the actual situation and consider necessary measures." The agency aims to collaborate with relevant ministries and organizations to address child abuse linked to religious beliefs and ensure the safety and well-being of children in Japan.

Key Takeaways

• Japan's Children and Families Agency reported 47 cases of child abuse by religious groups.
• Psychological abuse, forced religious activities, and lack of medical care were common forms of abuse.
• The agency believes the reported cases are just the tip of the iceberg, with many victims unable to seek help.
• The agency plans to work with the education ministry to create an environment for affected children to seek help.
• The agency aims to collaborate with ministries to address child abuse linked to religious beliefs and ensure child safety.