NCJ Number
86200
Date Published
1982
Length
23 pages
Annotation
Following an overview of victimological studies in Japan, this paper presents a Japanese study of the victims of crime causing death or bodily injury to show the need for state compensation for such victims.
Abstract
Since the concept of victimology was introduced to Japan in 1958, Japanese scholars and research workers of government agencies have shown such a strong interest in this field, that a flood of victimology research has been conducted from 1958 to 1972. One of the most comprehensive studies conducted to date focuses on the victims of crime causing death or bodily injury. The study's first report was based on the examination of criminal records that provided information on victims killed or injured as a result of various offenses. The second report of the study analyzed the results of social research conducted through a survey to determine victims' and their families' employment, income, compensation, change in family life, and attitudes toward offenders. The study provides data on the extent of injury, type of injury aftereffect, criminal charge, the extent of victims' blameworthiness, the relationship between victims and offenders, distribution by victims' sex, and percentage by victims' ages. Information is also provided on the success or failure of monetary private settlements, the payment and amount of compensation, and victims' and family members' attitudes toward state compensation. The study supports the adoption of a system of public compensation for victims of violent crime, a concept which is now under consideration by the Japanese government. Tabular data and 25 references are provided.