SISTERS launches community for sexual violence victims’ support

In a pioneering endeavor to provide comprehensive support to women grappling with sexual violence, SISTERS has introduced a consultation community called ‘SISTERS.’ This digital platform facilitates anonymous consultations and hosts events led by experts, striving to ensure essential psychological care for victims.

Often termed ‘soul murder,’ sexual violence leaves an indelible mark on victims’ physical and mental well-being, casting long shadows over their lives. Statistical data from Japan reveals the magnitude of the issue – an alarming one in four women reports experiencing some form of sexual violence, and one in 13 has endured forced sexual intercourse. The predicament intensifies as nearly half of the victims have no one to confide in about their ordeal, and a staggering 80% have been unable to report the incidents to the police.

The landscape of support for victims of sexual violence is still underdeveloped, with a palpable deficiency in psychological care. The aftermath of the incidents often sees victims living with trauma for years, necessitating the urgency for comprehensive support mechanisms.

SISTERS steps into this void by extending psychological care to victims of sexual violence. The initiative is premised on validating victims’ experiences and offering them supportive companionship. It aims to create an environment where unspoken truths can finally be aired, and silent victims can reclaim their voices.

The SISTERS community functions on four pillars – ‘Learn’, ‘Speak’, ‘Consult’, and ‘Support Each Other.’ It offers a suite of services allowing individuals to self-navigate and choose the support they require.

• Learning Events: Specialists are brought on board to host monthly events, fostering an understanding of the individual’s circumstances, and offering emotional support through knowledge dissemination.
• Speak at Peer Café: In an innovative approach, online meetings are organized that provide a casual platform, much like a café chat, enabling individuals to talk openly about their daily frustrations regarding sexual violence and gender issues.
• Anonymous Consultation: Embracing modern technology, the platform utilizes the PodCast voice SNS service to entertain anonymous consultations, thereby providing a haven for those unable to share their concerns elsewhere. An additional ‘Care Talk’ service also enables one-on-one consultations.
• Support Each Other: In a bid to create a societal web of support for victims of sexual violence, the platform nurtures connections among individuals through all its services.

The community charges a monthly fee of 900 JPY, accessible through a web service where the payment can be made via credit card. A dedicated service called ‘Care Talk’ is available for a dialogue-based emotional release and organizes past experiences. These 45-minute sessions are priced at 3,500 JPY and provided by counselors who themselves have experienced sexual violence. They lend an empathetic ear, affirming and supporting the user in a non-judgmental environment. However, it is advisable for individuals diagnosed with PTSD or similar conditions to consult with their primary physician before using the service.