Translation guide
How to express 'sexual abuse' in Japanese, covering legal, medical, and everyday contexts.
The broad, standard term for sexual abuse, used in news, legal, and formal contexts.
The most direct and common translation for 'sexual abuse', especially of children or vulnerable people. Used in legal, medical, and news contexts.
彼女は幼少期に性的虐待を受けた。
She was sexually abused as a child.
Literally 'sexual violence'. Broader than abuse, often used for assault or violence with a sexual element. Common in media and advocacy.
性暴力の被害者は支援を必要としている。
Victims of sexual violence need support.
Specifically 'sexual assault', emphasizing physical acts. Used in criminal law contexts.
彼は性的暴行の容疑で逮捕された。
He was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
Terms specifically for sexual abuse of minors.
The formal term for child sexual abuse, used in law and child protection.
児童性的虐待は深刻な社会問題だ。
Child sexual abuse is a serious social problem.
General 'child abuse', but often implies sexual abuse in context. Can also mean physical abuse.
Not exclusively sexual; context must clarify.
幼児虐待の通報が増えている。
Reports of child abuse are increasing.
Unwanted sexual behavior, often in workplace or school settings.
Abbreviation of 'sexual harassment'. Very common in everyday speech and media.
上司からのセクハラに悩んでいる。
I'm suffering from sexual harassment by my boss.
Unwanted touching, often in public or on public transport.
Forced sexual intercourse or severe sexual assault.
The legal term for rape. Strong and direct.
強姦罪で起訴された。
He was indicted for rape.
Loanword from English, used in media and casual conversation. Can be graphic.
Sexual abuse within a partnership or family.
Domestic violence; often includes sexual abuse. The abbreviation DV is widely understood.
DVから逃れるためにシェルターに行った。
She went to a shelter to escape domestic violence.
Specifically 'sexual abuse by a spouse'. Used in formal or counseling contexts.
配偶者からの性的虐待は離婚理由になる。
Sexual abuse by a spouse is grounds for divorce.
性的虐待 (sexual abuse) often implies an ongoing pattern or abuse of power, especially with children. 性暴力 (sexual violence) is broader and includes one-time assaults. 性的暴行 (sexual assault) focuses on physical acts. Choose based on the nature and duration of the act.
児童性的虐待は長期間にわたることが多い。
Child sexual abuse often occurs over a long period.
彼女は性暴力のサバイバーだ。
She is a survivor of sexual violence.
Do not directly translate 'sexual abuse' as 性的乱用 or 性的悪用; these are not used. Stick to the established terms above.
The full phrase for 'sexual harassment', more formal than セクハラ.
性的嫌がらせは許されない。
Sexual harassment is unacceptable.
Indecent act; broader than groping, includes exposure and other obscene acts. Legal term.
彼はわいせつ行為で罰金を科された。
He was fined for an indecent act.
A support group for rape victims.