A Japanese group of crime victims, surviving families and lawyers has called for substantial support at a symposium in Tokyo.
About 100 people attended Sunday’s event in-person or virtually.
A couple whose high school daughter was abducted and killed sent a message to the event.
The couple said their only daughter was killed in a violent and cruel way, but the perpetrator will leave prison in less than 20 years.
They said they have lost their careers and incomes, and their grief will continue for the rest of their lives.
Some of the participants in a panel discussion said crime victims should be allowed to complete the required administrative procedures in a single process.
Others argued for long-lasting support for victims and their families, while some said the government should be able to demand compensation on their behalf.
The participants also talked about the need to establish a national agency to support the victims of crime.
Lawyer Okamura Isao, who heads the group, said victims’ rights for trials have been established to some extent, but support for their daily lives has yet to be provided.
He expressed hope that a system will be set up to help them so they will not feel at a loss.