Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia – A workshop aimed at addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and GBV case management system, was jointly hosted by ACCESS2 Programme, UNFPA and the Ministry of Women's Affairs of Cambodia. The event sought to accelerate the implementation of the joint goal by UNFPA and the Cambodian government towards “Zero GBV” through providing multi-sectoral support to survivors in collaboration with local communities.

The Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Cambodia (TPO) is an organisation which is dedicated to improving the well-being of Cambodian people with psychosocial and mental health needs. Ros Sarayendet, TPO's Project Coordinator, has witnessed many women and girls who have mental health support needs due to being subjected to GBV.

Physical, Mental, and Social Challenges Faced by Survivors

TPO highlighted the various physical, mental, and social consequences experienced by GBV survivors. They suffer not only physical injuries but also severe mental health issues such as despair, depression, and isolation. Social prejudice often leads to their isolation within communities.

Sarayendet said, "In some communities, survivors (of violence) are negatively perceived as lazy or unrealistic, making it even more difficult for them to express their suffering or seek help." This is a common issue globally where women and those that experience violence are blamed for the violence they have experienced.

He also pointed out that poverty and livelihood issues make it challenging for survivors to continuously access psychological support services. "We face difficulties in providing support services when survivors need to spend their time maintaining their livelihoods," he added.

Emphasizing the Importance of Cooperation

Mr. Ros stressed the importance of finding ways to help survivors of violence receive unbiased support from the community. "Strengthening cooperation between civil society and local authorities, and developing systematic approaches to solve GBV issues, require collaboration among UN agencies, government agencies, and NGOs," he said. He expressed gratitude to UNFPA, the ACCESS 2 program and local authorities for consistently collaborating with TPO to provide mental health services and pledged to continue working together to prevent and respond to GBV issues in Cambodia.

With the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Government of Australia, the workshop was held in Kampong Thom in September 2024. The workshop is expected to serve as a crucial starting point for establishing a GBV case management system in Cambodia that aligns  with international standards to provide comprehensive services to GBV survivors.