" First Step Cambodia works in partnership towards strong child protection mechanisms, empowering children to be free from sexual abuse and living in safe and nurturing families.
We advocate for and engage with boys to address harmful social norms and gender issues affecting boys"
WHY SPECIALIZED SUPPORT FOR BOYS
Boys face an uphill struggle to receive support, yet they are in a situation where they need our support the most. Global evidence suggests that at least one in six males experiences some form of sexual abuse in their lifetime, a number confirmed by research carried out in Cambodia (UNDP, 2013). Moreover, a meta-analysis in the region confirmed that the median prevalence rates are higher for boys than girls, while less than 6% of boys seek help after sexual abuse, compared to 40% of girls (UNICEF, 2012 and 2014). Boys who are sexually assaulted may experience lasting stigma. They are often expelled from and blamed by their family and community, and receive little or no support (FSC, 2019).
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In addition, research indicates that up to 40% of child abuse is carried out by older children (Snyder, H. N., 2000). The regional ‘Partners for Prevention’ research (2013) concluded that amongst the sample of men who admitted sexual abuse or rape, over 50% committed their first offense under the age of 18, with a significant percentage under the age of 15. First Step provides direct support services to both children affected by and children displaying sexually harmful behavior. Providing a quick response and direct support services to children who display these behaviors, in collaboration with the child’s family, has resulted in a change to healthy age-appropriate behavior in most cases.
Supporting a child displaying harmful sexual behaviors: a case study
The majority of international organizations that support or run gender-specific programs, focus their resources on supporting girls and women. We recognize the many challenges and issues girls and women face in life. However, as a result, the issues affecting boys are insufficiently addressed and specialized services for boys are limited in developing countries such as Cambodia. First Step provides its services to both boys and girls but remains the only organization in Cambodia that advocates for boys’ rights and is specialized in meeting the needs of boys who are survivors of sexual abuse and boys who display sexually harmful behavior.
Why We're Here
Why We're Here
WHY OUR WORK IS NEEDED
No child should be exposed to violence, abuse or neglect. Yet, in Cambodia, one in two children has experienced severe beating and over five percent of Cambodian children experience sexual abuse before their 18th birthday (UNICEF, 2014). Poverty, substance abuse, lack of positive parenting, domestic violence, absence of sex education, lack of knowledge on the issues in communities and insufficient protection and reporting mechanisms are some of the main factors at play. Combined with traditional societal norms and a lack of understanding what qualifies as sexually inappropriate behavior, we believe that the prevalence of sexual abuse and sexually harmful behavior remains significantly underreported (FSC, 2019).
First Step Cambodia has been on the forefront of bringing change to Cambodia. Besides our core direct support program, we build the capacity of professionals, raise awareness in schools and communities, conduct research on child sexual abuse within the country, and support the government in improving and developing child protection systems, social work standards, policies, and much more.
Why We're Here
Our Programs
PREVENTION
We aim to increase the understanding, knowledge, and awareness among all those who directly engage with children; including schoolteachers, students, parents, caregivers, villagers, and relevant service providers, and, of course, children themselves. To achieve this, we have developed a range of informative and educational resources and tools. These are delivered in a variety of workshops and forums to both children and adults and distributed for use in organizations and community settings.
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We see strong partnerships and networks as the key to success and sustainable solutions. Our team facilitates and contributes to NGO networks and partnership meetings to raise awareness and improve the services for our beneficiaries. Learn more.
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Developing and disseminating informational and educational resources and tools
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Increasing the knowledge of adults and children through workshops and training
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Putting the issues of child sexual abuse, especially boys, high on the agenda through our networks and government collaborations
DIRECT SUPPORT
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Counseling and therapeutic services up to 24 months
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Building a safe and supportive home environment by increasing the knowledge, involvement, and capacity of the child’s family and supporters
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Holistic approach, providing practical support to the children and their family
CAPACITY BUILDING
We provide specialist training, learning and consultation opportunities to improve the capacity of professionals to deliver quality services to children and families affected by sexual abuse, harmful sexual behaviors, and psychosocial issues. We offer a wide range of training programs; including Boys Survivors of Sexual Abuse, Case Management, Working with Family, Social Work Practice, Inclusive Child Protection, Alcohol Abuse, and Sexually Harmful Behavior by Children.
We strive to base our social work and program design on sound research. As research into the issues of sexual abuse, especially related to boys, is scarce in Cambodia, FSC has been leading and contributing to evidence-based research related to the sexual abuse of boys and sexually harmful behavior displayed by children in Cambodia and the wider region. We use our findings to increase the knowledge of and awareness among families, professionals, and government in Cambodia. Learn more and consult our training opportunities.​
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Enhance Professional Capacity: Equip social service workforce with specialized knowledge and skills to effectively address child sexual abuse, harmful sexual behaviors, and psychosocial challenges.
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Promote Inclusive Child Protection: Foster understanding and practices that ensure the protection of all children, including boys, children with disabilities and children with diverse SOGIESC, through tailored interventions and awareness-raising activities.
RESEARCH
First Step Cambodia (FSC) demonstrates a strong commitment to research and documentation in the field of sexual abuse, particularly concerning boys, in Cambodia and the surrounding region. Recognizing the scarcity of research on these issues, FSC has been at the forefront of conducting evidence-based research on sexual abuse of boys and sexually harmful behavior displayed by children. This dedication informs their social work and program design, ensuring interventions are grounded in empirical evidence. FSC's efforts extend beyond Cambodia, contributing to regional understanding and aiming to change ill-informed beliefs, positioning them as a leader in addressing these complex issues. Learn more about our researches.
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Leading research initiatives: FSC has been at the forefront of conducting evidence-based research on sexual abuse of boys and sexually harmful behavior displayed by children in Cambodia.
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Evidence-based programming: FSC strives to base its social work and program design on sound research, ensuring that their interventions are grounded in empirical evidence.
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Regional impact: The organization's research efforts extend beyond Cambodia, contributing to the understanding of these issues in the wider region.
ADVOCACY
First Step Cambodia (FSC) implements a robust advocacy program through strategic partnerships at global, national, and subnational levels. Globally, FSC collaborates with organizations like Family for Every Child to influence international policies. Nationally, partnerships with MoSVY, NISA, and NCCT drive policy reforms and capacity-building. Subnationally, FSC works with DoSVY, Siem Reap Provincial Administration, WCCC, CCWC, and NGO networks to implement grassroots initiatives. This multi-tiered approach ensures comprehensive child protection and fosters collaboration among stakeholders to create meaningful change in Cambodia. Learn more about our advocacy.
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Global Level: FSC collaborates with international organizations such as Family for Every Child, contributing to global initiatives aimed at improving child protection systems and advocating for the rights of vulnerable children.
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National Level: At the national level, FSC works closely with the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY), the National Institute of Social Affairs (NISA), and the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT).
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Subnational Level: FSC partners with local entities such as the Department of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation (DoSVY), Siem Reap Provincial Administration, Women and Children Consultative Committees (WCCC), Commune Committees for Women and Children (CCWC), and NGO networks.