As part of the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence 2004, the Cambodian Committee of Women (CAMBOW), in cooperation with Ministry of Women’s Affairs, will organize an educational drama on domestic violence in Phnom Penh and produce a video case-study to be shown in all 24 Cambodian provinces in order to raise awareness of domestic violence and demonstrate the need for the adoption of the draft Law on Domestic Violence. The 16 Days campaign is conducted each year in many countries around the world between November 25, International Day Against Violence Against Women, and December 10, International Human Rights Day. The 16-day period also highlights other significant dates including December 1, which is World AIDS Day, and December 6, which marks the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre.

The educational drama on domestic violence will be held at the Chenla Theatre in Phnom Penh at 4pm on 01st December to illustrate the damaging consequences that arise when domestic violence is considered an internal family problem by society: victims often become trapped in cycles of abuse, unable to seek help. Conversely, the drama will also show that when domestic violence is understood as a broader social problem for which everyone has responsibility, the victims are given hope and the possibility of recovery and perpetrators are encouraged to understand their violence is wrong and shameful. A video will be produced narrating a case study involving domestic violence to show the suffering faced by victims and to emphasize the need for a Domestic Violence Law. The video will be shown on 10 December 2004 in all 4 provinces on a large screen and after each showing audience members will be invited to participate in a quiz related to domestic violence and information and resources will be available to take away.

One in every four women suffers domestic violence at the hands of their husbands, including physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse, according to a survey by the Project Against Domestic Violence and by the National Institute of Statistic, Ministry of Planning and Directorate General for Health, Ministry of Health in the year 2000. The alarming level of tolerance in society towards domestic violence is clearly illustrated by cultural beliefs such as the assumption that domestic violence is an “internal family problem” and as a result police and court officials are reluctant to interfere. Dr. Kek Galabru, Chairperson of CAMBOW, stresses that “if people in society continue to think domestic violence is only a domestic issue then necessary action to prevent it will not be taken and women will continue to suffer”. The problem is further exacerbated by inadequate laws pertaining to domestic violence as well as victims’ own reluctance to alert authorities to violations because they may feel ashamed and do not have access to adequate support and protection. CAMBOW will show the Government, Senate and National Assembly the need to prioritize the passage and adoption of the draft Law on Domestic Violence as soon as possible and incorporate recommendations on the Draft Law from the Women’s Civil Society Working Group to ensure better protection of victims. Ros Sohheap, Director of Gender and Development, states that “Members of parliament and Government officials need to listen to the concerns of the people to ensure the new Domestic Violence law provides greater protection of victims”

CAMBOW believes the draft Law on Domestic Violence is an essential addition to the Cambodian legal system and to upholding women’s rights in Cambodia as it will give greater powers to the courts and public authorities to protect domestic violence victims, including through the issuance of “protection orders” against perpetrators. This kind of provision exemplifies positive and progressive action and its drafters and proponents are to be commended for their forward-thinking vision. The Cambodian Committee of Women (CAMBOW) is a coalition of 35 local NGOs which work to advance the cause of women in Cambodia. CAMBOW seeks to promote respect for, and to protect, women’s rights through education, training, research, documentation and advocacy. Particular attention is given to advocacy, such as lobbying for the passage of stronger laws against domestic violence and human trafficking.

For more information, please contact:
▪ Dr. Kek Galabru, President of LICADHO at 012 802 506
▪ Mrs. Hor Phally, Director of PADV at 012 838 121
▪ Mrs. Ros Sopheap, Director of GAD at 016 881 250

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