Victims Demand Abolition of Civil Lawsuit Time Limit in Japan

Victims of childhood sexual violence in Japan are advocating for the abolition of the civil lawsuit statute of limitations, citing psychological trauma as a barrier to seeking justice. With around 60,000 signatures collected for reform, they emphasize the need for legal frameworks that accommodate the unique challenges faced by survivors. This movement calls for a suspension of the statute of limitations until victims reach adulthood, reflecting similar international practices.

Victims of childhood sexual violence, alongside supportive lawyers, are advocating for the abolition of the statute of limitations on civil lawsuits. Many victims take years to recognize their abuse due to trauma, making it challenging to claim damages. This time limit often prevents offenders from facing legal accountability, as many victims need long periods to process their experiences before seeking justice.

Since January, victims and their advocates have gathered approximately 60,000 signatures to demonstrate public support for changing the current legal framework. A key voice in this movement is Ikuko Ishida, a survivor of sexual abuse who only recognized her trauma decades later. After developing PTSD, she unsuccessfully sought to file a lawsuit against her assailant due to the statute of limitations that barred her claims.

Ishida criticized the three-year civil statute of limitations, indicating that it is irrational for victims’ claims to be disregarded based on the timing of their emotional recovery. In contrast, Japan’s Criminal Code was updated in 2023, extending the limitations on sex crimes. However, no significant changes have been made to the Civil Code, which restricts victims from seeking recourse beyond three years from the time they became aware of the damage.

Despite previous discussions on extending the Civil Code’s period for sex crimes to 10 years, it was limited to a five-year extension due to evidence preservation concerns. Meanwhile, activists demand a reevaluation of the legislative approach to allow for special measures for underage victims. This includes collecting signatures to propose a law that suspends the statute of limitations until victims turn 21, similar to laws in other countries.

One prominent member of the movement is Kazuya Nakamura, a former entertainer who claims to have been assaulted as a teenager. He emphasizes that victims may lack the awareness or courage to report incidents when they occur. This awareness often matures over time, reinforcing the need for legal frameworks to reflect these realities.

The advocacy group intends to present their collected signatures to lawmakers in hopes of formalizing their proposal into a sponsored legislative bill. Professor Katsumi Matsumoto from Ritsumeikan University supports the movement, underscoring that creating barriers for victims to seek justice contributes to their ongoing trauma. He advocates for innovative measures, such as suspending the statute of limitations, to facilitate justice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

The push by childhood sexual assault victims for the elimination of the civil lawsuit time limit underscores the significant challenges they face in achieving justice. Advocates highlight the necessity for legal changes that reflect the complex realities of psychological trauma and recovery timelines. With over 60,000 signatures collected, the movement seeks legislative revisions that prioritize victims’ rights and well-being in pursuit of accountability.

Original Source: asianews.network