The number of cases of domestic violence in Japan reached a record high of more than 50,000 last year.

The National Police Agency says officers issued warnings in 51,172 cases of domestic violence last year. The figure is up about 7,000 from the previous year, and is the largest annual total since the prevention law took effect in 2001.

Police received a record 77,482 inquiries and reports about domestic violence. Children are also the victims of abuse. In January, a 10-year-old girl was found dead at her home in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo.

Local government officials had received reports from the mother that she was being physically abused by her father. Police say domestic violence and child abuse can sometimes occur in the same family. They plan to work more closely with child welfare centers and local municipalities to prevent abuse. 

NHK