As respect for individuality and equality under law is stipulated in the Constitution of Japan, efforts have been made in Japan for the protection of human rights and the realization of equality between women and men.
我が国においては、日本国憲法に個人の尊重と法の下の平等がうたわれ、人権の擁護と男女平等の実現に向けた取組が行われている。
Nevertheless, even though spousal violence constitutes a serious violation of human rights that can involve criminal acts, efforts to help victims have not always been adequate. In addition, the majority of victims of spousal violence are women. When women who find it difficult to achieve economic self-reliance are subject to violence from their spouses, it adversely affects respect for individuality and impedes the realization of equality between women and men.
In order to improve these conditions and to achieve the protection of human rights and the realization of equality between women and men, measures to prevent spousal violence and protect victims need to be established. This action is also in line with efforts taken by the international community to eradicate violence against women.
This Act has been established in order to prevent spousal violence and protect victims through the establishment of a system to deal with spousal violence, providing for notification, counseling, protection, and support for self-reliance, etc.