Japan's welfare ministry reported a record high of 3,770 cases of abuse against people with disabilities in fiscal 2024, up 293 from the previous year. Family members were responsible for 2,503 incidents, while consultations and reports to local governments hit a new peak of 17,526. Physical and psychological abuse were the most prevalent types.
Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced on Tuesday that cases of abuse against people with disabilities reached a record 3,770 in fiscal 2024, an increase of 293 from the prior year. These figures, verified by prefectural and municipal authorities, highlight a troubling rise in reported incidents.
Abuse by family members accounted for 2,503 cases, up 220, while incidents involving care facility staff numbered 1,267, a 73-case increase. In both groups, physical abuse, including assaults, was the most common form, followed by psychological abuse such as verbal harassment.
The number of victims dropped slightly to 4,528, down 113, but the ministry noted three deaths resulting from family-perpetrated abuse. Local governments received a record 17,526 consultations and reports on disability abuse, up 1,936 from before. Of reports concerning family abuse, 55.9% originated from police.
This surge reflects greater awareness and reporting, the ministry said, underscoring the need for enhanced prevention and early intervention measures to protect vulnerable individuals.