Op-Ed: How Some Cambodians Normalize Violence Against Women

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In recent years, violence against women (VAW) has become a viral issue in Cambodia, with numerous cases gaining public attention through social media.

However, instead of focusing on the condemnation of the perpetrators, public discourse around these incidents often involved mixed reactions from the public. Some Cambodians express more concern over the public exposure of these cases than the violence itself, highlighting a troubling normalization of VAW within society.

The Role of Public Exposure:

A recent article published by Kiripost discussed several viral cases of violence against women (VAW), revealing that some Cambodians are uncomfortable with the public dissemination of such violent content. Some citizens criticize the sharing of these incidents for potentially tarnishing the country's image and causing social unrest.

For instance, Ros Sarom, a 57-year-old tuk-tuk driver, voiced his disapproval of sharing violent content, stating, “It’s pointless to post such cruel content to society. It indicates the anarchy of sharing content and it is a bad example to society.”

Sarom also expressed concern that such exposure might deter foreigners from visiting Cambodia, fearing it could damage the nation’s reputation and tourism industry.

Despite the discomfort it may cause, the public exposure of VAW cases, especially for disadvantaged women, plays a crucial role in bringing attention to these issues and pressuring authorities to act. Because without public attention, authorities rarely intervene.

A 2017 Licadho report highlighted several cases where justice was not served. In one instance, a husband tried to cut his wife's throat; in another, a husband shot his wife to death. Both perpetrators were charged with violence against a spouse, which carries a penalty of two to five years in prison, rather than attempted murder, which is punishable by 10 to 15 years under the Criminal Code.

These cases demonstrate a lack of accountability and confusion over applicable laws. They also fail to elicit public outcry despite the lenient punishments, thus not drawing the attention of authorities who could push for a review of these prosecutions.

Culture in the Normalization of VAW:

Cultural norms and gender roles play a significant role in the normalization of violence against women in Cambodia.

Cambodian women are often expected to embody the ideals of modesty, obedience, and domesticity. This expectation limits their public presence and economic independence, reducing their visibility and voice in societal matters.

Men, on the other hand, are perceived as the primary breadwinners and authority figures within the family. This patriarchal structure grants men considerable control over family and societal decisions, reinforcing their dominance and power over women.

And violence is often seen as an extension of male authority and a means of maintaining control within the household, leading to the normalization of violence against women, where male dominance and female submission are expected and accepted.

The cultural acceptance of male dominance and female subordination also contributes to societal attitudes that trivialize or justify violence against women (VAW). Women who experience violence are often blamed for provoking the abuse.

Take the viral domestic violence, where an argument escalated to the husband physically assaulting his wife with hits​ and punches,​ for example. The victim was blamed by some of the social media community for inviting violence. And this culture of victim blaming discourages women from speaking out or seeking help.

One Facebook user said: "It's because she made a mean face." Another said: "Why she sat there, leaving him to hit her."

Then it also comes to "Privacy of Domestic Matters". In the Chbab Srey, one clause says, “do not bring external problems into the house and do not bring internal problems out of the house.” Women are taught to suck up and shut up despite the problems and violence they have encountered.

This cultural norm discourages external intervention and allows VAW to continue unchecked within the confines of the home.

Final Thoughts

While public exposure of such cases may be uncomfortable for some, it is a necessary step towards acknowledging and addressing the problem. Promoting open and constructive public discourse about VAW can help break the silence and stigma surrounding the issue, fostering a more supportive and proactive community response.

By shifting societal attitudes and encouraging public discourse, Cambodia can move towards a future where violence against women is no longer tolerated or ignored.