児童虐待

• Reading: じどうぎゃくたい
• Romaji: jidō gyakutai
• Kanji breakdown: 児 (ji) — child; 童 (dō) — child, young; 虐 (gyaku) — cruel, abuse; 待 (tai) — treatment
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.doː.ɡja.kɯ.ta.i/

Meaning

Child abuse; child maltreatment. The physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or neglect of children.

A compound noun encompassing four recognised forms: 身体的虐待 (physical abuse), 精神的虐待 (emotional abuse), 性的虐待 (sexual abuse), and ネグレクト (neglect). Japan's 児童虐待防止法 (Child Abuse Prevention Law) was enacted in 2000 and strengthened in subsequent revisions. Child guidance centres (児童相談所) handle reports. Reporting rates have risen sharply since 2000, reflecting both increased awareness and persistent social problems.

Examples

1. 児童虐待の相談件数は過去最多を更新し続けている。 The number of child abuse consultation cases continues to hit record highs.
2. 近隣住民の通報がなければ、その子の虐待はずっと見過ごされていた。 Without the neighbor's report, the abuse of that child would have gone unnoticed indefinitely.
3. 学校での早期発見が児童虐待の被害拡大を防ぐ鍵となっている。 Early detection at school is the key to preventing the spread of child abuse.

Usage Guide

Context: child welfare, social policy, law, journalism

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From 児童 (jidō) meaning 'child or juvenile' and 虐待 (gyakutai) meaning 'abuse or maltreatment.' The compound entered widespread use following the Child Abuse Prevention Law of 2000.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: All classes