Shelters for victims of domestic violence victims are facing financial and personnel problems, according to the Cabinet Office's first study of such facilities.
Questions were submitted early this month to 35 shelters in 14 prefectures, of which 32 responded.
Twenty-four shelters replied that they are suffering financial restraints, as most of their operating expenses have to be covered by donations and membership fees. Sixteen called for public financial support.
In terms of personnel, 18 facilities said they do not have any full-time employees or they have a shortage of such workers, and they cited a lack of personnel able to provide psychological support.
Because most of the shelters use private houses or apartments, 27 facilities said they face security problems.
Hiroko Shimano of the Cabinet Office's council on gender equality said, "I'm looking forward to the expansion of financial measures as the domestic violence law has been enacted."
The Law on Prevention of Spouse Violence and Protection of Victims came into force Oct. 13, under which those who violate court restraining orders face up to one year in prison or fines of up to 1 million yen.