“They Had Pictures of Me”: a situational analysis of OCSE in Cambodia (2018)
This situational analysis assesses the current threat of Online Child Sexual Exploitation (OCSE) in Cambodia, its various forms within Cambodian communities, where and how children are at risk, as well as the various capacities and gaps in national policy, legislation, criminal justice, social services, and the private sector in order to identify actionable, evidence-based recommendations for Cambodia-specific interventions, based on the WePROTECT Model National Response (MNR), drawing on learnings from local and international best practice.
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Research Overview
This research provides a comprehensive situational analysis, examining the current threat of Online Child Sexual Exploitation (OCSE) in Cambodia from various angles. By delving into the different forms of OCSE prevalent within Cambodian communities, it sheds light on where and how children are most vulnerable. Moreover, the study meticulously evaluates the capacities and gaps in national policy, legislation, criminal justice, social services, and the private sector, aiming to leave no stone unturned in its quest for a thorough understanding of the issue.
With the ultimate goal of proposing targeted interventions specific to Cambodia, the research takes inspiration from the WePROTECT Model National Response (MNR). Through a meticulous examination of local and international best practices, it synthesizes valuable insights that can inform and shape effective strategies to combat OCSE in the Cambodian context.
Acknowledging OCSE as an emerging and deeply concerning form of child sexual abuse and exploitation, this research encompasses three key dimensions. Firstly, it analyzes the production, possession, and distribution of child sexual abuse material online, recognizing the urgent need to curtail such activities. Secondly, it tackles the complex and insidious issue of grooming, where potential child victims are targeted and manipulated online for sexual exploitation or abuse. Lastly, the study vehemently addresses the distressing phenomenon of Live Online Child Sexual Abuse, emphasizing the dire need to prevent and combat this distressing practice.
Research Approach and Framework
The research utilizes the WePROTECT Model National Response (MNR) framework to guide the situational analysis. The MNR provides a structure to assess the local context and response across four pillars:
Policy & Governance
Criminal Justice
Victim Identification & Care
Society & Prevention
Within each pillar, the research examines current laws, policies, roles of institutions, gaps, challenges and areas for improvement. The analysis draws on MNR tools and resources to benchmark Cambodia against international standards. It also accounts for the local context, culture and resource limitations. Primary data was collected through interviews with stakeholders across government, law enforcement, social services, civil society and industry. This provided insights into on-the-ground experiences and perspectives. The goal was to develop tailored recommendations for an effective national response, based on the multi-stakeholder WePROTECT framework.
