VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN (VAC)

PROJECT: Promoting Child-Friendly Communities through the Development of a National Child Protection System in Cambodia” Violence against Children (VAC)
EUROPEAN UNION through Plan International Cambodia
PERIOD 2014-2016

Project Orientation and Stakeholder Engagement: Key project staff received orientation on the project’s goals, financial procedures, and policies to ensure effective implementation. Orientation sessions were also conducted with government and civil society stakeholders in the project’s target areas, helping ensure collaboration and support for project activities.

Strengthening Family Protection Networks (FPNs): In four target districts across Siem Reap and Thboung Khmum provinces, the project focused on strengthening child protection mechanisms at sub-national levels (provincial, district, commune, and village). Key achievements include 403 participants trained across 8 introductory sessions on violence against children and child protection (VAC-CP); 363 FPN members actively rolled out training to others, with 36 follow-up sessions reaching 279 members (252 active); 188 VAC-CP awareness sessions conducted at commune level; 687 monthly CCWC meetings were held across 25 communes, strengthening knowledge on VAC, including issues like abuse, trafficking, and child labour; from project start to date, 3,006 child protection cases were reported and followed up by CCWC and WCCC (e.g., 981 domestic violence cases, 913 birth certificates, 19 rape cases); 85% of cases were resolved; and 100 village-level FPNs were established and recognized by CCWC; 70 of these were actively involved in case resolution. FPNs helped resolve 90% of domestic violence cases in their communities through home visits and awareness campaigns.

Close Group & Parenting Meetings: 1,500 close group meetings helped shift behaviors from domestic violence to positive parenting; 18 out of 25 groups (360 members) became role models and supported children’s education; 458 parenting meetings were conducted; 226 VAC cases were reported through parenting groups; 75% of parenting members created plans to promote good parenting and child protection awareness.

Child Participation: 923 children’s meetings (every 2 months) involved 1,368 girls and 617 boys; children were trained to report abuse through hotline 1280; 83% of children reported sharing concerns with authorities; 100% participated in child protection network meetings; children conducted role-plays and mobilized resources (5,830,600 riel + \$300 + school supplies) to support marginalized peers.

Piloting High-Impact FPNs in 2 Districts: In Thboung Khmum, FPNs were piloted to provide integrated support for at-risk children. Activities focused on reducing fear between children and police: Children visited police posts and commune offices 14 times each, building trust and understanding of how to report abuse; 80% of participating children understood the role of commune councils and how to access social services; 65% understood the reporting structure.

Strengthening Civil Society Coordination: CCASVA collaborated with NGOCRC or CRC Cambodia to establish two provincial CSO consortia to advocate for child rights. Key
achievements: Joint interventions supported 3 child survivors, with plans to transition them to appropriate care; 4 annual Provincial CNCC action plans were drafted based on CSO recommendations and aligned with the National Child Development Plan.

Commitment and Sustainability: The provincial governor has committed to ongoing child protection efforts through regular meetings, even after project completion. Letters of commitment are attached to the report.