The Definitional Process of Domestic Violence in Japan

Recognition of a phenomenon as a social problem and subsequent social mobilization are critical to the development of social policy and services to address it. Action-oriented research projects on domestic violence conducted by grassroots organizations have played an important role in shaping public discourse on the issue in Japan. This article examines the process by which domestic violence came to be recognized as a social problem in Japan, particularly highlighting the role of action-oriented research and the use of international mechanisms such as the United Nations conferences in raising public awareness and instigating changes in national policy.