Okinawa Prefectural Police announced Feb. 26^th that starting Apr. 1^st, a new “Children’s and Women’s Safety Division” will start operations.

The new division will focus on crimes involving domestic violence, and problems with children. A stalker victim consultation from all the parts of the island is also included.

Only during last year, 155 stalking claims were reported to the police that is 67 more than the previous year.

Police Chief Toshihiko Sasahara explained that because crimes committed by stalkers have had wide publicity recently, the number of phone calls concerning stalkers has increased. “Taking preventive action is imperative before s stalking case escalates to a major crime,” he explained.

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