Let’s stop the [domestic] abuses

Woman burnt during domestic violence (RFA file photo)

Friday, 31 August 2012
Princess Soma Norodom
The Phnom Penh Post

With the lack of enforcement of the domestic violence law, this issue is still a social problem in Cambodia. Domestic violence is a human rights violation, and against the law, and it should be taken seriously.

Domestic violence is violence that occurs in the home and between spouses. There are several types of domestic violence, including physical aggression such as hitting, kicking and throwing objects, to threats, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, controlling behaviour, intimidation and stalking. Overall, domestic violence and emotional abuse are behaviours to control the person in the relationship.

The Khmer Rouge regime left the country with the destruction of a modern societal infrastructure, violence and death. Experts have stated that the survivors of the regime, who were children at the time and are now adults, have turned to violence, because this was what they have lived through and witnessed.

I think that with the limited implementation of the law, and the corruption in the law, it has led to the serious issue of domestic violence in society. This is a serious problem for victims, families and society, as domestic violence is physically and psychologically damaging. Let’s not blame the past for the current issue, but move forward to help in the fight against domestic violence.

Drive Against Domestic Violence Continues

By Suon Kanika, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
28 November 2007

Cambodian organizations such as the Project Against Domestic Violence are continuing a drive that began last week to educate Cambodians on the dangers of household abuse.

Hau Phally, director of the project, said she has delivered a message against domestic violence to thousands of people over the annual Water Festival.

Her message reaches people like Sieng San, 75, who lives with her daughter and three grandchildren in Dangkao district in Phnom Penh.

"My son-in-law keeps harassing us," she said, weeping. "I'm so worried. Whenever he loses a game, he comes home quarrelling with my daughter, cursing my daughter and wanting to hit me."

Another victim of domestic abuse, Mao Mom, said her husband beats her after he over-drinks.

"He even used the axe to hit me, but I didn't complain because I was afraid he would hit me harder," she said. "Over these five or six years, I have received so much pain that I've wanted to divorce him on several occasions. But I failed to do so, because I'm afraid my children will be fatherless."