Tottori Prefecture reports six confirmed cases of abuse of persons with disabilities occurred in FY2022

From The Asahi Shimbun

December 31 2023

TOTTORI – Tottori Prefecture announced that in fiscal year 2022, there were 38 consultations regarding abuse of persons with disabilities reported within the prefecture (45 in the previous year). Of these, six cases (compared to nine cases last year) were confirmed as cases where the victim had suffered or was suspected of having been abused.

According to the Prefectural Disability Welfare Division, there were 22 reports suspected of abuse by family members and other caregivers (28 cases), of which 4 reports (6 cases) were confirmed. There were 16 reports of suspected abuse by welfare facility staff (compared to 17 cases), and two confirmed cases (compared to 3 confirmed cases).

Of the recognized types of abuse (with some duplication), psychological abuse, such as severe verbal abuse, and economic abuse, such as unfair disposal of property, were the most common at three cases. There were two cases of sexual abuse, one case of physical abuse such as violence, and one case of abandonment/neglect.

The prefecture has a support team made up of experts to support municipal abuse prevention centers and other organizations. In addition, training is being provided to staff at welfare facilities to prevent abuse and strengthen responses when receiving consultations.