Vichheka Sok

This article was written in 2008 while I was working for World Vision Cambodia.

Title: Widow a staunch advocate against domestic violence

“My children and I lived in sadness and difficulty for years because of my alcoholic husband. We suffered many years from violence, always fleeing at our neighbors’ houses whenever he was drunk. He often destroyed the meager household things that we have“, recalls SamArt Ouk, 45.

SamArt has thought of running away from the deplorable condition many times. But keeping the family intact was foremost in her mind. She says, “It was hard but I also thought that it was not good for a Cambodian woman to get divorced and be looked down by society. So, I decided to bear everything.”

In 2002, SamArt’s husband passed away due to an ailment, leaving her alone to raise five growing children. At that time, SamArt contracted tuberculosis. She felt really hopeless and worried that if something happens to her, her children’s future will be bleak. She dreaded the day they will all end up as garbage collectors.

After her husband’s death, things went for worse for SamArt and her children. She was also hesitant to approach her neighbors for help for fear of being turned down. Her being illiterate and being withdrawn from the community for a long time made her more reluctant.

In the middle of 2004, World Vision established Children Of Hope Area Development Programme in Svay Pak commune. Its aim was to empower the community, and to work with the poor and existing groups in the communities. SamArt’s family was invited to join the Self Help Group (SHG) - a good opportunity for her to identify her skills and use them productively. She got encouraged by the ADP staff and started attending meetings and trainings.

With her dedication and interest, SamArt was elected as SHG group leader – making her more inspired to actively participate in many ADP projects such as the child sponsorship, health, community-organizing for child protection and HIV and AIDS.

“I share with other villagers what I have learned especially about HIV and AIDS, hygiene, education, and domestic violence. I became aware of the many issues around me and I began to understand the value of education. I now encourage my children to study hard and hope that they would have a better future. I gained friends and my neighbors value me highly now. This is really encouraging for me”, she adds with a smile.

She was a beneficiary of World Vision’s livelihood project and was able to avail of a sewing machine. She says, “I am thankful for the sewing-machine. Now, I am able to earn enough money to support my family. World Vision staff members always take good care, support and encourage me in all my struggles in life. I am in good health and I get advised how to take care of myself.”

“All my children have gone to school, have their own families and have good jobs. They never ended up as garbage collectors. Right now, my two grandchildren are sponsored by World Vision. World Vision has not only raised me from my hopeless condition but also my children and grandchildren”, adds SamArt.

As a SHG leader, SamArt has become an important member of her village. She always intervenes and advises families that face issues such as domestic violence, and always promotes the value of education - encouraging parents to send their children to school.

“I am so lucky that World Vision came into my life and gave me a fresh start. Now I am respected in the village, many people admire me for my accomplishment and listen to me. My goal is to see everyone in my community live in peace and help each other in any way they can”, she concludes proudly.

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