Ending violence against women is crucial to achieving equality between men and women and delivering good development outcomes. Long and short-term solutions are necessary, from institutional change to immediate assistance for survivors.
A key priority of the Australian aid program, ending violence against women relies on working with partner governments in the Asia-Pacific region.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bob Carr, announced today that Australia will provide up to $24 million over five years to prevent and respond to violence against women in Cambodia.
Violence against women is widespread across Cambodia. The Australian aid program is supporting UN Women, the Government of Cambodia, and civil society to develop a new National Action Plan on violence against women.
The Cambodian Government has made significant progress in its efforts to intervene and prevent violence against women by ensuring appropriate laws and policies exist, but policing these are a challenge.
Civil society organisations provide most of the support services for women who have survived violence in Cambodia such as crisis services, shelters, and legal counselling. However, many women in Cambodia find it difficult to access these services. Women may live far away from services, may not be aware of the services that are available, or be reluctant to seek help.
The new Australian-funded ending violence against women program will work with the Cambodian Government and civil society to improve national responses to violence against women, including shelter and counselling services; public awareness and advocacy; and education and training.