Despite human trafficking being a crime in Cambodia, the country has a significant child sex tourism problem; some children are sold by their parents, while others are lured by what they think are legitimate job offers like waitressing, but then are forced into prostitution. 38% of women and girls working in sexually exploitative conditions had entered the industry because their virginity had been bought. In a survey of Cambodian sex trafficking victims to Thailand, only 25% reported being trafficked by a stranger. Two-thirds of the victims were trafficked by someone that they knew – a family member or someone from their community. Some are as young as 13.*

As part of our Cambodia outreach teams, the team visits the training centre of Precious Women; a Cambodian run NGO which offers women caught up in the entertainment industry a way out by providing training in beauty, hairdressing, cooking etc.

We learn about their work and enjoy beauty treatments, fun and conversation with some of the trainees. Following that, we join the Precious Women staff and volunteers in small groups, visiting 3 or 4 women that have escaped the sex industry and who now utilise these skills. Our aim is to demonstrate love and show interest to the women we will spend an hour or so with that evening. 

*Information taken from World Vision Trafficking Report: Cambodia