Child consultation centers have expanded services to include counseling for victims of sexual and other abuse, with more than 70 percent of them ensuring that their staff are specially trained to interview children.

However, some victims, after being referred to police and prosecutors, are subjected to further traumatic stress through repeated questioning, according to a recent survey of municipalities.

The results of the survey, carried out by Kyodo News, show that interviews with child abuse victims are conducted by staff in 33 of the 47 prefectures, as well as 18 of the nation's 22 biggest cities.