I came across a video in my YouTube recommendations and clicked on it without much thought. At first, I watched casually, but soon realized the content was far from ordinary. The woman in the video spoke with a determined tone, though her tense expression occasionally betrayed her inner struggle. Despite her trembling body, she courageously stood up to share her truth, and I was deeply moved by her bravery.
The Trembling Woman
While watching the video, I couldn’t help but feel the immense psychological pressure she must have been under. Her courage to speak out was deeply moving, but the strain on her was painfully evident.
At one point, she said, “My body has been trembling the entire time,” a single sentence that revealed just how much fear and emotional distress she was enduring. Occasionally, her voice would crack, or she would try to joke, but these moments seemed to reflect her effort to mask the overwhelming stress.
When she spoke about her experiences of abuse, she admitted that during those moments, she sometimes “accepted” what was happening, tried to “ignore it,” or even turned to alcohol to mentally cope. These admissions were heartbreaking and offered a glimpse into the psychological toll she endured.
Instinctive Defense Mechanisms
Hearing her story reminded me of The Minds of Billy Milligan by Daniel Keyes, a nonfiction book about a man with dissociative identity disorder (DID).
Billy Milligan endured severe trauma as a child, including his father’s suicide and abuse by his stepfather. This trauma is believed to have caused his mind to fragment as a way of coping with the unbearable pain.
Similarly, I believe this woman also unconsciously created mental defenses—such as adopting a “detached self” or a “strong self”—to shield herself from the emotional devastation she experienced.
She also seemed to blame herself for “accepting” what was happening, as if it were her fault. But I am convinced that she has no reason to carry such guilt.
Many victims of abuse describe feeling as though they “accepted” the situation. However, this reaction is often the result of survival mechanisms. When escape feels impossible, the mind may dissociate or suppress reality to endure the trauma. This is not a conscious choice or an act of acceptance—it is a natural, instinctive response.
Barriers to Speaking Out
These psychological defense mechanisms are a common, unconscious reaction among survivors. However, because they are not widely understood, society often misconstrues them, leading to harmful misconceptions like, “The victim shares some of the blame.”
Even when victims find the courage to speak out, they often face backlash, with accusations such as, “They just want attention,” or, “If they really wanted to escape, they could have.” Such attitudes only deepen the wounds of survivors and make it even harder for others to raise their voices.
For instance, 30 years ago, Japanese author Shungiku Uchida published her autobiographical novel Father Fucker (Fazaa Fakkaa), which described her experiences of sexual abuse and domestic violence. Uchida depicted the protagonist’s complex emotions, including her inability to escape the abuse, her hatred for the abuser, and her guilt for blaming herself.
After the book’s release, Uchida faced harsh criticism for “airing the family’s dirty laundry.” This backlash reflects the persistent barriers that victims face when speaking out—barriers that remain unchanged even decades later.
The Need for a Modern Sanctuary
Watching Aoki Kanon’s video, I felt a glimmer of hope seeing the growing number of supporters rallying behind her. Crowdfunding initiatives have already started, and it’s clear her courage is sparking meaningful change.
However, her situation also underscores the harsh realities victims face. Despite receiving many supportive comments, her video was also met with cruel accusations like, “She’s doing this for attention,” and, “She just wants more views.” These comments reveal the deep societal biases that continue to silence victims.
Additionally, she revealed that her former talent agency had terminated her contract following her disclosure. While her bravery has garnered attention and support, it has also exposed her to significant personal and professional risks.
In today’s Japan, safe spaces for victims of abuse remain limited. This made me wonder: what if we had modern-day equivalents of kakekomidera, or sanctuary temples? Historically, kakekomidera were places where people in distress could seek refuge and protection. For survivors of sexual violence or abuse, having such sanctuaries could be life-changing.
Barriers and Solutions: The Challenges of Modern Sanctuaries
While the idea of a modern sanctuary is compelling, there are several barriers to making it a reality:
1. Insufficient Facilities
• While Japan has women’s support centers and helplines, the number of facilities capable of providing immediate refuge remains inadequate.
2. Social Stigma
• Deep-rooted societal biases, such as “shame” or “victim-blaming,” often prevent victims from seeking help.
3. Lack of Specialized Support
• Trauma-informed counselors, lawyers, and support networks are still limited in Japan. Many victims are unaware of the resources that do exist.
To address these issues, several actions are needed:
1. Expanding Modern Sanctuaries
• Establish more anonymous, easily accessible spaces for victims to seek support. Online platforms with secure chat services or 24-hour hotlines could serve as virtual sanctuaries.
2. Raising Awareness
• Promote the existence of support centers and resources through public education campaigns. Schools and local communities should also play a role in spreading awareness.
3. Technological Solutions
• Develop safe online platforms where victims can confidentially seek help, including real-time counseling and resource directories.
Current Support Options
For those in need of immediate help or seeking ways to support survivors, here are some available resources:
• National Women’s Support Centers (Japan)
Dial #8778 (“Hanasou Nayami”) to connect with your local center.
• Your Ally (Government Portal)
Offers comprehensive information on sexual violence and abuse resources in Japan.
• Local Support Groups and Nonprofits
Many regional organizations offer counseling, legal assistance, and safe spaces. Check the Your Ally portal for more information.
Conclusion: Supporting Voices of Courage
Aoki Kanon’s courageous act has sparked important conversations and provided a beacon of hope for others. However, the risks associated with speaking out remain significant.
To create a society where survivors feel safe to raise their voices, each of us must reflect on what we can do to help. Whether it’s sharing this issue, supporting a friend in need, or advocating for systemic change, every action counts.
I hope this article inspires readers to think about how we can support survivors and build a society where their voices are met with compassion and action.