"Boys Are Like Gold": The Gendered Differences in Sexual Violence Against Street-Involved Children in Southwest Cambodia

Authors: Jarrett Davis, Glenn Miles, Maggie Eno, Andrew G. Rowland
Publication: Journal of Modern Slavery
Year: 2021
Category: Sexual Exploitation, Child Protection

Abstract

This paper explores findings from interviews with 130 children (55 girls and 75 boys) living or working on the streets and beaches in Sihanoukville, Cambodia and discusses their vulnerabilities to sexual exploitation and other forms of violence. The paper finds that while both genders indicate significant vulnerability to various forms of violence and exploitation, boys indicate experiencing higher rates of sexual violence and seem to be afforded greater independence and less supervision and protection by parents and guardians. In addressing these issues, this paper aims to add nuance to discussions on the vulnerabilities of street-involved males in Southeast Asia.

Keywords

• Sexual exploitation
• Street-involved children
• Cambodia
• Gender differences
• Child protection
• Sexual violence

Key Findings

• Boys reported higher rates of sexual violence compared to girls, with 39% of boys and 25% of girls citing sexual touching by adults.
• Street-involved boys were found to have greater independence and less supervision from parents and guardians compared to girls.
• Boys were more likely to be involved in riskier forms of street work, such as begging, and worked longer hours compared to girls.
• 19% of children reported receiving food or money in exchange for sexual activities with adults.

Methodology

The study employed a mixed-methods approach using structured interviews with 130 street-involved children (75 boys and 55 girls) aged 8-24 in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Interviews were conducted by trained social workers from a local NGO, M'Lop Tapang, using a questionnaire covering demographics, personal relationships, finances, stigma, discrimination, and experiences of physical, sexual, and emotional violence.

Implications

The study highlights the need for:

• Gender-specific interventions that recognize the unique vulnerabilities of both boys and girls
• Improved child protection services that address the needs of street-involved children
• Challenging traditional gender norms that may increase vulnerability to exploitation
• Increased awareness and support services for male victims of sexual violence
• Further research on the vulnerabilities of street-involved children in Southeast Asia

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Citation

Davis, J., Miles, G., Eno, M., & Rowland, A. G. (2021). "Boys Are Like Gold": The Gendered Differences in Sexual Violence Against Street-Involved Children in Southwest Cambodia. Journal of Modern Slavery, 6(1), 1-35.

Last Updated: July 2021