World Ousting of councillor prompts concern over silencing sexual assault victims in Japan

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A rural Japanese town voted its sole female councillor out of her seat after she accused its mayor of sexual assault. The public referendum over whether she had damaged the town’s reputation highlighted the backlash against women who come forward with allegations of sexual abuse.

The referendum on December 6 marked a stunning defeat for the first and only female member of Kusatsu’s town council.

With 2,542 votes for and 208 against, more than 90% of participants voted to recall councilwoman Shoko Arai for ‘’damaging the town’s reputation” after she alleged that the most powerful local politician had sexually assaulted her.

The unprecedented recall in a small town of 6,200 inhabitants, famous for its hot springs, drew national attention.

Women’s rights activists said it served as an example of how women who come forward with allegations of sexual abuse are generally treated in Japan.

 
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