manual: women workers' rights and gender equality - International ...

Notes for the trainer
Start this session on domestic violence with a short discussion about violence in general. There
are many forms of violence; slapping, battering, kicking and rape are clear examples of physical
violence. Mental torture is also a form of violence. Try to get many examples from the participants
about different forms of violence. All those forms of violence can be domestic violence if it happens
within the family.
In Cambodia a draft law on the prevention of domestic violence is with the National Assembly, but
it has not yet been passed. This draft gives the definition of domestic violence and, for instance,
the responsibilities of the chief of commune and the police. The penalties for all forms of violence
are given in detail. Please check this draft law before doing the session and check when it passes
in the National Assembly.
The Criminal Law 1992 of the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) gives penalties for
the following forms of violence:
- Battery with injury: imprisonment of 2 months to 2 years depending on the injury (article 41)
- Rape: imprisonment of 5 to 10 years (article 33)
- Indecent assault: imprisonment of 1 to 3 years (article 42)
We all know that legally speaking, all forms of violence are a criminal offence. When you are
threatened or hurt, do not let matters rest, you should go to the police immediately to protect
yourself and gather evidence to be used in proving the truth. Remember: you can bring to court the
person(s) who violated your rights. If you have questions concerning the laws, there are women
groups that can give advice in this matter 10 . These groups include: (1) CWCC (Cambodian
Women’s Crisis Centre), (2) AFESIP (Agir pour les Femmes en Situation Precaire), (3) CWDA
(Cambodian Women’s Development Association) who all have 6 services (shelter, counseling,
legal assistance, investigation, health services and skill training), (4) CCPCR (Cambodian Centre
for the Protection of Children Rights) who has 5 service (shelter, legal assistance, investigation,
health, skill training), (5) CWLD (Cambodian Women League for Development) who has 4 services
(legal assistance, investigation, health, skill training), (6) LICHADO ( Cambodian League for the
Promotion and Defense of Human Rights) who has 4 services (Counseling, legal assistance,
investigation and health), (7) ADHOC (Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association)
and (8) LAC (Legal Aid of Cambodia) both have 3 services (counseling, legal assistance and
investigation), (9) WDA (Women Development Association) who has 3 services (counseling, legal
assistance and health).
Emphasize that it is better not to go alone to the police or the health post/hospital. Go with a friend
or even a group, it gives you more strengths and power.
What are the results of violence?
For the individual:
Suffering and humiliation resulting from violence usually lead to lack of motivation, loss of
confidence and reduced self-esteem. As with stress, if causes of violence are not eliminated or its
impact contained by adequate interventions, these symptoms are likely to develop into physical
illness, psychological disorders, or tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse. These problems may ultimate
cumulate in occupational accidents, invalidity and even suicide.
10 From: Guide to Stop Violence Against Women, brochure from some NGOs, Bangkok, 2001
116