Chapter 2  Consideration for Victims in Criminal Justice

  In recent years, issues of crime victims have been arousing social concern, and the criminal justice agencies, etc. has also been implementing various measures to support crime victims. The Basic Act on Crime Victims (Act No. 161 of 2004) was enforced in April, 2005, in order to promote comprehensive and systematic policies for crime victims. Furthermore, the Basic Plan for Crime Victims, etc. (the term of the Plan is until the end of FY 2010) which contained 258 specific measures under 4 basic policies and 5 priority tasks was established in December of the same year for realizing a society in which the rights and benefits of crime victims, etc. are protected. Issues concerning crime victims are now considered as one of the most significant issues in the current criminal policy.