Introduction

Gender-based violence (GBV) is any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women whether occurring in public or private life.

In Cambodia, gender-based violence is widespread, particularly affecting at-risk groups such as women in remote areas, those with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and migrant garment factory workers. According to Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS) 2021-22:

• 10% of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence
• 3% have endured sexual violence since age 15.
• Domestic violence is prevalent, often justified within cultural norms, with 21% of women who have had an intimate partner reporting emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.

UNFPA focuses on addressing the drivers of violence and harmful social norms which impede gender equality and cause GBV, while expanding its focus from quantity to quality of services and evidence- informed prevention interventions.

Strengthen implementation of gender/GBV planning and policy frameworks

Technical and financial support for strengthened implementation of gender/GBV planning and policy frameworks.

Strengthen coordination of GBV multi-sectoral mechanisms

UNFPA supports the Royal Government of Cambodia in:

Coordinating multisectoral Mechanism: Improve collaboration across different sectors for better prevention and response to GBV.

Provincial and District Working Groups: Strengthen coordination in provinces like Kampong Cham, Tboung Khmum, Stung Treng, Preah Vihear, and others identified as critically needing support.

Capacity Development for Enhanced Quality of Services

To improve the quality of GBV prevention and response services, we focus on training frontline service providers to build capacities in essential areas, such as capacity development for enhanced quality of services.

This is to prevent and respond to GBV on Essential Service Package in response to intimate partner violence and gender-based violence, including:

• Case management: Provide systematic support to service providers and GBV survivors.
• Health sector response: Enhance medical care for GBV survivors
• Basic counselling and referral guideline: Offer psychological support and guide survivors to appropriate services.

• Legal aspects and social work

• Addressing new forms of violence: Tackle technology-facilitated GBV.

These series of capacities are provided to front line service providers who work closely and support GBV survivors. 

Creating Social and Gender Norm Change through Increased Knowledge and Awareness

In Cambodia, gender norms remain heavily rooted in society, creating inequality between men and women and depriving women of their basic rights. Supporting girls to exercise their rights is critical to reducing poverty and advancing development. 

Our effort includes:

• Advocacy for Women's Rights: Promote policies and practices that uphold the rights of women and girls.
• Awareness-Raising Campaigns: Utilize social media, meetings, and community outreach to educate the public on:
  • GBV Prevention
  • Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
  • Negative Social Norms
• Engaging Communities: Work with at-risk populations, communities, boys, men, and faith leaders through:
  • Value-Based Dialogues
  • Media Interventions
  • Capacity-Building Initiatives

Engaging men and boys

It is crucial for men and boys to be involved in working towards achieving gender equality and stopping gender-based violence. According to Cambodia Demographic Health Survey (CDHS) 2021-22:

• Physical Violence Perpetrators:
  • 58% are current husbands/partners.
  • 28% are former husbands/partners.
• Sexual Violence Perpetrators:
  • 70% are current husbands/partners.
  • 26% are former husbands/partners.

UNFPA’s Responses:

• Transforming Social Norms: Encourage men and boys to question and change attitudes that justify gender inequality.
• Raising Awareness: Educate men to become role models in preventing violence within their families and communities.
• Good Men Campaign: A nationwide social and behavioral change campaign that:
  • Encouraged men to re-evaluate gender norms.
  • Highlighted the value of women in society.
  • Promoted positive masculinity and non-violent behaviors.

Innovative Approches: Technology Facilitate GBV 

It is essential to embrace the power of digital tools and prioritize the government's development goals. This includes a focus on closing the gender digital divide and empowering women and young girls to combat all forms of violence. By leveraging the full potential of digital technology, we can work towards creating a safer, more equitable society for all Cambodians.

GBV Digital platform for information services and referrals-Chatbot and Safe App

UNFPA Cambodia, in partnership with the Ministry of Women's Affairs (MoWA), supported by the Japanese Government and the Wesley Foundation (ウェスレー財団) in Japan, has developed digital platforms to increase access to GBV information and services:

• Chatbot Embedded in MoWA Facebook Page:
  • Immediate Assistance: Provides quick directions to services and information.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Accessible through a widely used social media platform.

• GBV Safe App:
  • Smartphone Application: Offers information about GBV, support services, hotline numbers, and referral pathways.
  • Service Provider Map and Directory: Helps users locate and contact service providers.

These two platforms provide information about GBV, support services as well as hotline numbers and referral pathways to the service provider’s map and directory. Both platforms were developed in response to the results of the “VAW trends and help-seeking behavior” assessment.