Case Study: Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence in Roka Thmey Village

Domestic violence has long been a hidden issue in rural Cambodian communities, fueled by a lack of awareness, silence, and deeply rooted social norms. In Roka Thmey Village, Sre Samrong Commune, Chum Kiri District, Kampot Province, Ms. Phang Nhanh, a mother of four, experienced the damaging effects of violence within the family.

Like many households in her community, Ms. Nhanh’s family struggled with frequent conflicts. “At first, my family often fought because of a lack of understanding about domestic violence,” she recalls. The absence of dialogue and knowledge about healthier ways to resolve conflict allowed violence to persist, creating tension and unhappiness at home.

Change began when a Cambodian Health and Education for Community (CHEC) awareness campaigns on domestic violence, reaching families in her commune. Building on this momentum, Cambodian Health and Education for Community (CHEC) provided practical training courses on violence prevention.

Ms. Nhanh took part in these sessions, where she learned about anger management, non-violent communication, and the harmful effects of abuse on family members. Empowered with this knowledge, she began applying these lessons within her own household and actively shared them with others in her community.

The impact was transformative. Violence in her family reduced significantly, and home life improved:

• Ms. Nhanh learned to control her anger and avoid physical conflict.

• Her husband became calmer, more joyful, and engaged in positive family relationships.

• Her children grew up in a safer and more supportive environment.

• Community members also benefited, as she passed on knowledge and encouraged non-violent solutions.

“Now there is no beating, and our family is happy,” says Ms. Nhanh.

While progress has been made, Ms. Nhanh strongly believes there is more to be done. She urges CHEC to continue expanding awareness campaigns on domestic violence across her community and beyond. “I would like to request that CHEC continue to spread more information about the harmful effects of domestic violence,” she emphasizes, underscoring the need for ongoing education and support.

Ms. Phang Nhanh’s story highlights the power of education and community engagement in breaking cycles of domestic violence. With the support of organizations like CHEC, families can replace conflict with peace, and communities can build a culture of respect, safety, and dignity for all.