A 19-year-old in Japan has come forward with claims of enduring six years of sexual abuse from her father. The brave young woman, whose identity remains confidential for legal and protection reasons, aims to gain independence in spite of the ordeal she suffered. The abuse she received was reported to local authorities prompting an ongoing investigation.

In Japan, child abuse, while being a major social issue, remains stigmatized and is often shrouded in secrecy due to traditional familial values and the importance of maintaining face. This revelation is therefore significant as it indicates a shift within the society towards supporting the survivors and holding the perpetrators accountable. It also opens up discussions on child protection systems, legal reforms and social services support in the country.

While child abuse is sadly a universal occurrence, the discussion is more normalized in the US and EU, with a significantly stronger emphasis placed on child welfare systems, mandatory reporting, and survivor resources. Public acknowledgment and openness about these issues still face barriers in countries such as Japan.