About 76 percent of Japanese think government measures to protect and support crime victims are inadequate, according to a survey by the Prime Minister's Office released Saturday.
In the poll, carried out in September, 75.9 percent of respondents said the government does not do enough to help victims, and more than 50 percent said that they take secondary damages from crimes, such as long-term anxiety, seriously.
Over half also said that the government should show greater consideration for victims during investigations and in the courts, and it should keep the media from infringing on victims' privacy.
When asked what they consider secondary damages, 16.7 percent said violation of privacy by the media.
The poll found that 68.8 percent had problems with the use of victims' names and photos in crime reporting, while about 60 percent said compensation for victims who have suffered serious damage should be increased.
It says 55 percent of respondents want police to take preventive measures against harassment, while 54.1 percent demanded they provide victims with information on investigations and offenders.
Researchers contacted 5,000 people nationwide, and 70.9 percent responded.