By Raksmey Var | Country Representative
CW: Story contains recounts of Sexual Assualt.
In the last 3 months, 21 survivors and 2 relatives received legal counseling through CTC. Legal counseling services are an important resource for survivors to feel empowered in taking on their cases with a supportive and knowledgable team to help them through the process. In offering these services, we hope to break the stigma surrounding sexual assault and abuse and hold perpetrators accountable for their offenses.
Sreyneang is 14 years old, living in Banteay Meanchey Province. She is the eldest in her family of six siblings, and only attended school through sixth grade. Sreyneang lives with her aunt and uncle, as her mother does labor work in Thailand to support the family. One day, when Sreyneang was at home, her Uncle came into her room. He sexually assaulted her, telling her that he loved her and would buy her things as long as she didn’t tell anyone.
Sreyneang’s Aunt saw her husband as he was leaving Sreyneang's room and immediately asked what he had been doing in his niece’s room. He said he had gone to check on Sreyneang and dismissed his wife’s questions. Not trusting his answers, she went to Sreyneang and asked her what had happened. Sreyneang told her aunt the truth. Her aunt was upset and went to complain to the authorities immediately. Her uncle was arrested and sent to the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Police.
Sreyneang was brought to the CTC safe shelter by her aunt and social workers to consult with the program's legal aid officer. She decided to stay in the shelter with the consent of her aunt in order to continue the case. The legal aid officer, in cooperation with the police and a lawyer, filed a complaint with the court. Currently, Sreyneang is waiting for a summons to the court, where her case will be heard. Until then, she will continue to stay in the shelter, where she receives counseling and support from peers and staff. Through group and individual therapy and making meaningful connections with friends who have gone through similarly challenging experiences, the shelter has proved a supportive space for Sreyneang’s healing.
Thank you for supporting CTC. We are committed to supporting survivors to heal and move forward.
*Sreyneang is a name given by the writer to protect identity of the survivor.
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