For the protection of the safety of victims in the course of criminal investigation and trial,it is provided by law that intimidation of a witness shall constitute a criminal offense in order to prevent forced interviews or intimidation.
  Where there are sufficient grounds to suspect that the defendant may harm or intimidate the victim or the victim's relatives,the defendant may not be granted release on bail.If the defendant actually resorts to such acts,release on bail may be revoked.
  For spousal violence,public women's counseling centers or other suitable institutes play the role of Spousal Violence Counseling and Support Centers in each prefecture,and also in each municipality from December in2004.Spousal Violence Counseling and Support Centers provide information on the protection order system as regulated under the Law for the Prevention of Spousal Violence and the Protection of Victims.