Free 300 Women from Domestic Violence in Cambodia

"We have become stronger in sharing and asking for help" expresses Malis* when asked how group therapy, one of the services she received by World Hope International (WHI), has helped her to recover from 30 years of domestic violence and abuse. Malis, a 49-year old Cambodian, a loving mother of six, a brave woman who fought against her country's cultural norms and raised her voice against the threats, abuse and control that her husband imposed on her for years. After her husband started drinking and spending their limited income in brothels, the violence began. He wouldn't even let her work as a village teacher - her dream job- because he was jealous. He believed she was seeing other men. However, Malis built her courage and reported it to the local authorities, who informed WHI's newly trained government social workers. Some months later, Malis' husband was arrested by the police and she started receiving counselling and support to help her recover from her trauma. Through WHI's work and your support, 62 social service providers have been trained to provide adequate legal and psychological support to Malis and more than 200 other women and girls in Cambodia. "When I started working with her she didn't trust me. I tried to apply the skills I was taught by WHI and this helped me gain her trust. Now she is more confident and brave" is how Sopheap*, Malis' government social worker, shares the change she saw in her new client. Other women like Malis have become aware that violence against women is unacceptable, illegal, and that there are available support services for them; they do not have to suffer alone. Mali's husband was sentenced to two years in jail, which has been an important signal to the community, that violence against women is punishable by law. Additionally, Malis has been able to go back to teaching and caring for her children and grandchildren while slowly healing from her past. WHI believes that all women and girls in Cambodia must feel safe and protected in their own communities, able to thrive without fear of violence or hopelessness when seeking for help. Thus, World Hope's Enhancing Responses program works to improve the services available for women and girls and educate communities to protect and respect their rights. *All names in this publication have been changed to protect their identities.