A Japanese government survey shows that more than 10 percent of young people have been subjected to groping in trains and other public places. But it found 80 percent of the victims did not report these incidents to police or other officials.
The Cabinet Office conducted the nationwide online poll in February. Over 36,000 people aged between 16 and 29 responded.
The results show that 3,804 people, or 10.5 percent, say they had been groped or experienced other indecent acts in public places.
Of them, 42.2 percent say they were groped once, 27.3 percent say twice, 23.4 percent between three and five times, 3.6 percent between six and 10 times, and 3.4 percent 11 times or more.
The survey found the worst hours are between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., when 34.5 percent say they fell victim to groping. A majority, 62.8 percent, said they were inappropriately touched or suffered indecent acts while they were on trains.
Of those who did not report to police or other officials, about 40 percent said they did not want to make trouble. The same percentage said they did not think the incidents needed to be reported.
The Cabinet Office carried out the survey to assess the actual situation and come up with effective measures to tackle the problem.
Officials say anyone could become a victim, but many are not aware that groping is a serious crime. They plan to step up consultation services for the victims.