Japan Compiles Statistics on Abuse by Psychiatric Hospital Workers for First Time

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced on January 19th that in fiscal 2024 there were 6,258 reports and notifications received by prefectures and designated cities concerning alleged abuse of persons with disabilities by staff at psychiatric hospitals. Of these, 260 cases were officially recognized as abuse. Under the revised Mental Health and Welfare Act enacted in 2022, reporting abuse of persons with disabilities by psychiatric hospital staff to prefectures and designated cities was made mandatory. This is the first time such data have been compiled. The ministry stated, “We have confirmed that the reporting system is being recognized. We will continue to closely monitor future trends.” Episode notes: ‘Japan Compiles Statistics on Abuse by Psychiatric Hospital Workers for First Time': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/01/29/japan-compiles-statistics-on-abuse-by-psychiatric-hospital-workers-for-first-time/