Category: Abuse

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 5, 2025 1
Abuse Disability Employment Japan

Abuse of Disabled Workers by Employers in Japan Fell by 1.5% in FY2024

Japan’s Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry reported a slight decline in the number of disabled workers found to be abused by employers in fiscal 2024, even as reports of suspected cases increased. A total of 1,827 workers were the subject of abuse reports, down 1.5% from the previous year, while confirmed cases involved 652 people across 434 workplaces, a 14.3% drop. Most cases involved economic exploitation, such as unfair pay, with part-time and temporary workers most affected. Intellectual disabilities were the most common among victims. Labor bureaus responded mainly with guidance under labor laws, including the Minimum Wage Act.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 27, 2025 Number of comments0
Abuse Care Disability Japan Podcast

Former Director Accused of Abuse at Kochi Disability Employment Support Facility [Podcast Episode]

It has come to light through interviews with the organization operating a disability employment support facility in Aki City that the former executive director was certified by a regional union as having committed abuse, such as kicking a chair used by a facility user. The organization in question is Kochi Kizuna Farm, a general incorporated association that operates employment support facilities for people with disabilities in Aki City and Ino Town. According to the organization, the regional union conducted interviews with staff and others after receiving information that abuse was taking place at the facility in Aki City. The investigation confirmed that the former executive director, a man in his 50s, had kicked a user’s chair and that a life support worker at the facility had also kicked a user. In addition, the facility was recognized for its role in preventing recidivism by accepting individuals with criminal records and was awarded a commendation by the Prime Minister last year.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 26, 2025 1
Abuse Care Disability Japan

Former Executive Director Accused of Abusing Users at a Disability Employment Support Facility in Aki City

It has come to light through interviews with the organization operating a disability employment support facility in Aki City that the former executive director was certified by a regional union as having committed abuse, such as kicking a chair used by a facility user. The organization in question is Kochi Kizuna Farm, a general incorporated association that operates employment support facilities for people with disabilities in Aki City and Ino Town. According to the organization, the regional union conducted interviews with staff and others after receiving information that abuse was taking place at the facility in Aki City. The investigation confirmed that the former executive director, a man in his 50s, had kicked a user’s chair and that a life support worker at the facility had also kicked a user.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 21, 2025 Number of comments0
Abuse Care Children Disability Japan

Abuse was “part of a game” at Hiroshima Support Facility for Children with Disabilities Facing Administrative Action

An after-school day service facility for children with disabilities in Hiroshima City has been penalized after staff, including the operator’s representative, were found to routinely use wrestling moves, shouting, and hitting as a supposed form of “communication” with children—behavior described by a former employee as a daily occurrence and treated as “part of a game.” Hiroshima City has suspended the operator Watanohana for three months.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 20, 2025 Number of comments0
Abuse Care Children Disability Japan Podcast

Hiroshima Support Facility for Children with Disabilities Faces ‘Administrative Action’ After Abuse Discovered [Podcast Episode]

In Hiroshima City, at a support facility that takes care of children with disabilities, abuse such as hitting a child on the buttocks was found to have occurred. In addition, improper receipt of benefit payments was confirmed. As a result, the city has taken administrative action, including revoking the operator’s authorization.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 19, 2025 2
Abuse Care Children Disability Japan

After Cases of Abuse are Discovered, Hiroshima Support Facility for Children with Disabilities Faces Administrative Action

In Hiroshima City, at a support facility that takes care of children with disabilities, abuse such as hitting a child on the buttocks was found to have occurred. In addition, improper receipt of benefit payments was confirmed. As a result, the city has taken administrative action, including revoking the operator’s authorization.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 18, 2025 Number of comments0
Abuse Disability Hospitals Japan Mental Health Podcast

Kobe City receives total of 21 reports of abuse of persons with disabilities at psychiatric hospitals, only 1 recognized [Podcast Episode]

Kobe City announced on August 14th, that in fiscal year 2024, it received a total of 21 reports of abuse of persons with disabilities at psychiatric hospitals, and recognized one of them as a case of abuse. Following the revision of the Mental Health and Welfare Act, from fiscal year 2024 onward, prefectures and government-designated cities are required to publicly disclose the status of abuse occurring at psychiatric hospitals.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 16, 2025 1
Abuse Disability Hospitals Japan Mental Health

Following Revision of Mental Health Legislation in 2024, Kobe City Receives 21 Reports, Recognizes 1 Case of Abuse of People with Disabilities at Psychiatric Hospitals

Kobe City announced on August 14th, that in fiscal year 2024, it received a total of 21 reports of abuse of persons with disabilities at psychiatric hospitals, and recognized one of them as a case of abuse. Following the revision of the Mental Health and Welfare Act, from fiscal year 2024 onward, prefectures and government-designated cities are required to publicly disclose the status of abuse occurring at psychiatric hospitals.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 25, 2025 Number of comments0
Abuse Care Disability Japan Podcast

14 Staff Members Abused Residents at Gifu Disability Support Facility [Podcast Episode]

Fourteen staff members at the Gifu Prefectural Hana-no-Kien disability support facility in Toki City have been found to have committed 40 instances of abuse against 18 residents, including forcefully hitting their heads and kicking them during medication administration. The abuse, which occurred between July and October 2024, came to light after one employee was arrested for assaulting a male resident. In response, the Gifu Prefectural Government has suspended the facility’s intake of new residents for three months starting in September 2025 and is considering further disciplinary action against 12 of the involved staff.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 24, 2025 1
Abuse Care Disability Japan

14 Staff Members Abused Residents at Gifu Disability Support Facility, Intake Suspended for Three Months

Fourteen staff members at the Gifu Prefectural Hana-no-Kien disability support facility in Toki City have been found to have committed 40 instances of abuse against 18 residents, including forcefully hitting their heads and kicking them during medication administration. The abuse, which occurred between July and October 2024, came to light after one employee was arrested for assaulting a male resident. In response, the Gifu Prefectural Government has suspended the facility’s intake of new residents for three months starting in September 2025 and is considering further disciplinary action against 12 of the involved staff.