A Vulnerable Nation: The Intersection of Rural Poverty, Cultural Norms and Gender-Based Violence in Cambodia

Abstract

Since the 1990s, women and children in Cambodia have experienced increasing trends in trafficking for both sex and labour, largely due to ongoing poverty factors. This vulnerability of women and children in Cambodia can also been seen in the normalization of gender-based violence in some communities, which often begins for young women and girls at an early age. This study collected the oral narratives of 26 Cambodian young people, all of whom survived early childhood trauma and despite this, appeared to be doing remarkably well. Participants were recruited through non-governmental organisations and their stories capture their lived experiences of physical and sexual violence, trafficking, incarceration and modern-day slavery. This paper aims to provide insights into the survivor journey, from the trauma they experienced, to community perspectives, stigma and the challenges survivors faced in reintegration. Also capturing stories of hope, social connection and recovery from trauma.