YOKOHAMA -- Kanagawa Prefectural Police inaugurated a special headquarters Friday to provide counseling for victims of domestic violence, child abuse and stalking and to fight such crimes.
The center consists of 77 officers specializing in juvenile crimes and policewomen from various stations across the prefecture.
The prefectural force is the first to set up such a body since the National Police Agency mapped out guidelines in December to protect women and children from these crimes, officials said.
The headquarters will provide counseling in person or by telephone to victims and to their family members and friends, they said.
They will give warnings to the offenders in cases deemed "malicious," even if their behavior does not constitute an illegal act, and contact lawyers and local juvenile counseling centers, they added.
Kanagawa police will designate the 10th of every month as "counseling day" and promote their activities through public campaigns.