Since the anti-stalking law was beefed up last year, prefectural governments across the nation have been strengthening services for victims, including provisions for providing shelter and financial assistance.
The toughened law, which was amended in October 2013, not only requires police to bolster support for victims but also calls on prefectural governments to offer protection. It specifies establishing consultation offices to provide female stalking victims with professional advice and temporary shelter.
Every prefecture is required to establish at least one such center.