Prime Minister Takaichi’s Message on the Orange Ribbon Campaign
Overview
For the November Orange Ribbon Campaign to Promote the Prevention of Child Abuse, the government explains that it is strengthening child guidance centers and expanding local parenting support. It introduces consultation services, including phone and LINE, for people who suspect child abuse or are struggling with parent-child relationships or parenting, and calls for cooperation across society to protect children’s lives and support parenting.
Key points
- November is the period for the Orange Ribbon Campaign to Promote the Prevention of Child Abuse.
- In fiscal 2024, child guidance centers across Japan handled approximately 223,000 child abuse consultations.
- Kodomo Katei Centers have been established in approximately 86 percentage points of municipalities nationwide.
- The campaign publicizes the child abuse response dial “189,” the consultation support dial “0120-189-783,” and LINE consultations.
Overview
Child abuse consultations remain numerous, and incidents in which children lose their lives continue to occur. The government regards preventing child abuse as an important issue that society as a whole must address.
The government is working both to address cases requiring specialized support and to support families raising children in their local communities.
Impact
The message says that not hesitating to contact the child abuse response dial may help protect the precious life of a child in need.
It calls on the public to cooperate in protecting children’s lives and supporting parenting across society.
Details
The government continues to strengthen child guidance centers so they can respond to cases requiring specialized support.
Kodomo Katei Centers provide comprehensive consultation and advice on concerns related to pregnancy, childbirth, and infant growth and development, as well as home-visit support for parenting.
When a child’s or caregiver’s behavior raises concern about possible abuse, the message advises calling the child abuse response dial “189” (pronounced “ichihayaku”), which connects callers to a child guidance center from anywhere in Japan.
For concerns or difficulties with parent-child relationships or parenting, the message recommends consulting staff at a nearby parenting support space. It also provides “Oyako Consultation LINE,” which is available by smartphone, and the child guidance center consultation support dial “0120-189-783” (a wordplay phrase meaning “quickly, with your worries”).