28th October, 2014
More than half of Cambodia’s children have experienced violence by the age of 18, a quarter have been emotionally abused and five per cent sexually abused, according to the findings of a government survey.
Cambodia’s Violence Against Children Survey (CVACS) also found that children are usually abused by people they know and trust, with physical abuse most common at the hands of parents (particularly mothers) and teachers (particularly male teachers), and sexual abuse most commonly perpetrated by neighbours, friends, romantic partners and family members.
The survey also confirmed that children who experience violence were more likely to report moderate mental distress, sexually transmitted infections, self-harm and suicidal thoughts and that physical and mental effects of violence may last long after it has ended.
Conducted by Cambodian Government agencies and coordinated by UNICEF and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CVACS is the first survey of its kind to be carried out in the East Asia and Asia-Pacific region. It involved 2,376 children and young people aged between 13 and 24 years from across the country.
Following its findings – which were announced last week, a number of Cambodian Government ministries and agencies have agreed to a set of core commitments which will underpin a national action plan aimed at preventing and responding to violence against children in Cambodia.
– DAVID ADAMS
