PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – Over the past three years, IJM (Int'l Justice Mission) has been developing a complex case against a former military officer suspected of brutally assaulting impoverished girls in his community. Although many stories circulated about the horrific abuse that went on behind the closed doors of his secure home, it took years to locate any families who were willing to formally accuse the powerful Cambodian man of his crimes.
"His power in the community was akin to tyranny," explains IJM Regional Director of Southeast Asia Blair Burns, adding that he was universally perceived as "untouchable."
This is how it goes for many families in developing countries. Poor families assume that the more well-connected, well-resourced criminal will hire a better lawyer, pay bigger bribes. When a law isn't enforced, the more powerful will always win over the poor. And if a law doesn't work, there is little reason to report a crime. The poor stop expecting justice, believing it's impossible to simply rely on their country's laws.
IJM first heard about this complex case through a local aftercare partner who was caring for a survivor of the abuse, a girl who was showing signs of serious trauma. Because of the man's seemingly untouchable power within the community, even the care-provider felt powerless to pursue legal action against him.
IJM stepped in to provide aftercare support and facilitate interviews between the survivor and police. As IJM staff visited the community, more and more people began opening up. It was clear that the horrific abuse was being perpetrated on multiple girls, and fear was endemic in speaking out against the abuser.
"We knew we had to help these girls, and of course stop this man from harming others," explains IJM Cambodia Director of Aftercare Lisa Slavovsky. "Because of this man's power, and more specifically, the perception of power, it took us years to bring relief in this case," adds Blair Burns, underscoring again how "untouchable" this man was perceived to be: "We have rarely seen abuse of power to this magnitude in a sexual assault case."
In April 2013, the balance of power finally shifted. Armed with years of evidence and testimonies from survivors and their families, the police arrested the former military officer. He is currently in custody awaiting trial on charges of rape with aggravated circumstances. IJM continues to support the case, determined to show these survivors and their community that their country's laws are stronger than this powerful man.
IJM recently reported that his trial is set to begin soon and have asked for prayer for the three girls who are set to testify. Also, pray for an honest outcome free from bribery or interference.
It is important that people begin to feel that there is some expectation of justice when they report a crime, otherwise, rapists will continue to work with impunity. They took a big step in that direction, thanks in part to IJM, last month when the former chief of the Phnom Penh Municipal Anti Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Police, was found guilty as an accomplice to aggravated procurement of prostitution.
"His power in the community was akin to tyranny," explains IJM Regional Director of Southeast Asia Blair Burns, adding that he was universally perceived as "untouchable."
 |
| Street in Cambodia |
IJM first heard about this complex case through a local aftercare partner who was caring for a survivor of the abuse, a girl who was showing signs of serious trauma. Because of the man's seemingly untouchable power within the community, even the care-provider felt powerless to pursue legal action against him.
IJM stepped in to provide aftercare support and facilitate interviews between the survivor and police. As IJM staff visited the community, more and more people began opening up. It was clear that the horrific abuse was being perpetrated on multiple girls, and fear was endemic in speaking out against the abuser.
"We knew we had to help these girls, and of course stop this man from harming others," explains IJM Cambodia Director of Aftercare Lisa Slavovsky. "Because of this man's power, and more specifically, the perception of power, it took us years to bring relief in this case," adds Blair Burns, underscoring again how "untouchable" this man was perceived to be: "We have rarely seen abuse of power to this magnitude in a sexual assault case."
In April 2013, the balance of power finally shifted. Armed with years of evidence and testimonies from survivors and their families, the police arrested the former military officer. He is currently in custody awaiting trial on charges of rape with aggravated circumstances. IJM continues to support the case, determined to show these survivors and their community that their country's laws are stronger than this powerful man.
IJM recently reported that his trial is set to begin soon and have asked for prayer for the three girls who are set to testify. Also, pray for an honest outcome free from bribery or interference.
It is important that people begin to feel that there is some expectation of justice when they report a crime, otherwise, rapists will continue to work with impunity. They took a big step in that direction, thanks in part to IJM, last month when the former chief of the Phnom Penh Municipal Anti Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Police, was found guilty as an accomplice to aggravated procurement of prostitution.
No comments:
Post a Comment