As the Khmer Rouge trials proceed, Cambodia continues to search for recognition, resolution and healing. The country’s traumas stem from genocide and 30 years of occupation and civil war. Many Cambodians are repeating their traumas, inflicting them upon subsequent generations. One of those stories is human slavery.
These three video clips tell part of that story. This first clip is of Sophea. Educated and of a relatively wealthy background, she is still dogged by seeing the execution of her father by child soldiers. Her trauma persists today. As an outlet for her pain she grew involved with ASEFIP, an organization that works to eliminate sex trafficking in Cambodia and to care for survivors.
Sophea, Khmer Rouge Survivor
Cambodia: Sophea from timmatsui.com on Vimeo.
The second clip is of Srey Neth. Because her family was poor, her mother sold Srey Neth to a pimp at age 14. After years of recovery, she uses her suffering to motivate herself to help others. I met Srey Neth at Transitions Global, which employs a transitional living model. The living center helps victimized teens regain their sense of self, their hopes and dreams, and provides them with education and skills. These young women have opportunities exceeding those of many Cambodians; they go on to become teachers, computer techs and translators.
Victim-Survivor Srey Neth
Cambodia: Srey Neth from timmatsui.com on Vimeo.
