Japanese authorities are considering a legislative reform to empower police to issue warnings to perceived stalkers using official authority. The move comes as part of national efforts to enhance public safety and take quicker action against harassment. Though no specific timeline has been announced, these considerations are a response to increasing societal concerns about stalking and related crimes in Japan.
Stalking is a serious issue in Japan, with laws and protective measures undergoing constant scrutiny and demands for improvement. The Japanese public is particularly concerned about the speed of law enforcement response and the effectiveness of existing laws in preventing stalking-related crimes. Enhancing victims' protection and empowering police with increased official authority aligns with societal expectations.
In contrast, countries like the US or EU have anti-stalking laws that can vary significantly across jurisdictions. In general, they tend to be more focused on restraining orders and offender punishment, with detailed statutes specifying what constitutes stalking. They also value victim's protection and privacy, but the conversation around increasing police authority for warnings isn't prevalent.