First Step Cambodia

First Step Cambodia (FSC) is a non-governmental organization with the primary goal to ensure that all children are protected from sexual abuse and that all those affected by abuse are supported and enabled to reach their potential. Applying the socio-ecological model, we pursue this goal by addressing the issues on all levels in society. On the individual level, we provide therapeutic and social work services to children to help them cope and overcome trauma and other related challenges, and reconnect with family, friends and community. On the relationship level, we work closely with the child’s family and key supporters, helping them understand their child’s behavioral and emotional challenges, educating them on child sexual abuse and helping them to become supportive and responsive to their child’s needs. To improve the home situation for both child and family, and to ensure the child can live in a safe and nurturing environment, social work services are provided. On the communal level, we conduct awareness raising events and prevention workshops in the most at-risk communities, in schools, NGOs and residential care centers, increasing the communities’ understanding of child sexual abuse and how to respond to it, and raising awareness about boys being just as vulnerable to abuse and in need of support as girls – as societal norms in Cambodia see boys as invulnerable and not at risk of abuse. we also build the capacity of professionals working with children, to increase their knowledge and skills in child protection, learn to identify and respond to potential cases of child abuse, and improve their social work services to children and families. Finally, on the societal level, we conduct research into the issues related to boy sexual abuse and sexually harmful behavior, identifying service gaps, raising awareness, influencing societal norms and national policies, and improving our own service delivery.