Counselor Report: “Different Places, Different Customs”

Takanori Kuge

The number of cases involving domestic violence handled by JSS has averaged between 80 and 90 cases over the past few years. In most cases, the perpetrators are male, and the victims are female. However, there are also about 10 cases each year where women are charged as perpetrators. Most of these cases would make us, who have grown up in Japan, think, “Huh? Is that really possible?”

[Case Study 1] While shopping at a mall as a couple, the husband playfully pinched his wife’s side. Angered, the wife lightly slapped the husband on the head with her p

urse, which happened to be heavy due to carrying items like a mobile phone. This escalated into an argument. Other customers witnessing the incident reported it to the police, and nearby officers arrived at the scene. Both parties were interviewed by the police, and despite explaining the situation, the wife was arrested for “injury with a deadly weapon.”

[Case Study 2] During an argument, the boyfriend slammed the door shut, leaving the living room. Still angry, the wife threw a tissue box, contained in a plastic container, at the living room door. When the husband attempted to re-enter the room, the tissue box hit his foot. The husband reported this to the police, and upon police arrival, both parties were interviewed. Despite explaining the situation, the wife was arrested for “injury with a deadly weapon.”

[Case Study 3] A couple in a park had an argument, during which the emotionally charged girlfriend clung to her boyfriend, crying, and struck his chest. Onlookers in the park assumed the woman was being bullied by the man and reported it to the police. Upon police arrival, both parties were interviewed. Despite explaining the situation, the girlfriend was arrested for “assault.”

Subsequently, in each case, the female perpetrators were charged and went to trial, but none were convicted. However, despite the lack of conviction, none of the wome

n were able to return to the homes they shared with their partners for several months, and they incurred thousands of dollars in legal fees.

In Japan, none of these cases would likely result in the arrest of the woman.

In conclusion, each case underscores the proverbial saying, “Different places, different customs.” Let’s be mindful of this!