KhmerTimes-May 27, 2025
As online discourse continues to reveal patterns of blaming victims in rape cases, civil society organizations are calling for a shift in public attitudes.
Advocates said focusing blame on victims not only deepens their trauma but also hinders efforts to address the root causes of sexual violence and hold perpetrators accountable. “Stop using language that blames victims, objectifies women and normalizes sexual harassment. Will you stand up for women’s rights?” The United Nations in Cambodia wrote in its recent post. The United Nations also called for a bold, collective effort to eliminate deeply ingrained gender inequalities and harmful behaviors, urging societies to discard practices such as victim-blaming, sexual harassment, gender stereotypes, and sexist humor. The Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defence of Human Rights also issued a statement calling for an end to victim-blaming. “Stop making excuses to blame victims of sexual violence. Sexual violence is the fault of the perpetrator,” read the statement. “Sexual violence and abuse are unacceptable under any circumstances. Everyone deserves safety and justice—everywhere, at all times.” Victim-blaming is prevalent in Cambodia, particularly on social media, where survivors are often scrutinized for their clothing, behavior, or personal history. This mindset, advocates argue, enables a culture of silence and impunity while isolating those in need of support. Yi Kimthan, the interim Country Director of Plan International Cambodia, pointed to the deeper societal roots of the issue. “Such crimes often stem from deeply rooted social problems, such as gender inequality, the perception of women as objects for sexual pleasure, lack of education, and limited awareness of the legal consequences of these crimes,” said Kimthan. Read more at: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501689892/civil-society-urges-end-to-victim-blaming-in-rape-cases/
