Silencing Survivors: The Culture of Victim-Blaming and Its Impact on Mental Health in Cambodia

Author Name: Marisa Levin

Background: An International Relations Graduate from the Royal University of Phnom Penh

Sexual harassment remains a pervasive and deeply harmful issue in Cambodia. While there have been steps toward public awareness, deeply rooted cultural norms such as victim-blaming, gender roles, and expectations around female behavior continue to protect perpetrators and silence survivors. In many cases, it is not just the abuser who harms the survivor, but also the surrounding society, some individuals, and groups from local communities, that fail to provide protection or accountability.

One of the most damaging aspects of this problem is the widespread culture of victim-blaming. Instead of receiving protection and understanding, survivors are frequently met with disbelief, shame, or even hostility. This societal tendency not only protects perpetrators but also forces many survivors into silence, preventing them from healing or speaking out.

The title of this article, “Silencing Survivors: The Culture of Victim-Blaming in Cambodia,” highlights the harsh reality of victim-blaming faced by women in Cambodian society. Survivors often bear the emotional burden of shame and isolation, while societal attitudes frequently minimize the harm caused by perpetrators. This reflects a broader culture in which sexual harassment and victim-blaming are gendered issues, disproportionately affecting women and people of other genders.

Victim-Blaming: What and Why? 

A common societal response to disclosures of sexual assault is a harmful phenomenon known as victim blaming (Purdy, 2021). But what exactly is victim blaming? It refers to the tendency to hold the survivor of harmful or abusive behaviour, such as sexual violence, partially or wholly responsible for the assault. This often involves implying or stating that the victim’s actions, words, or appearance somehow led to the abuse, rather than placing the responsibility where it rightfully belongs: on the person who committed the harm. Victim blaming is a widespread tendency to attribute the cause of violence to the victim’s behaviour, suggesting they should have done something differently to prevent it. Phrases like "What did you expect, going out dressed like that?", "Why didn’t they fight back?", "You shouldn’t have gone home with them", or "Why did you get so drunk?" are often used to shift blame onto the victim. The infamous question, "What was she wearing?" is an example of this mindset, yet it is crucial to understand that what a person wears is never an invitation for violence (Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton, 2025). The truth is that sexual violence is never, ever the fault of the victim. It happens because someone chooses to engage in harmful behaviours, not because the victim wore a certain outfit, said something, or was in a particular place.

Cultural Norms and Victim-Blaming 

In Cambodia, traditional values surrounding female sexuality remain deeply embedded in cultural norms and social expectations. Virginity culture is deeply intertwined with social expectations of women's "purity" and "worth." From an early age, women have been taught to be pure, faithful, and obedient, particularly to their parents, husbands, and broader societal expectations.

A woman's value is often tied to her perceived sexual innocence, and when violated, no matter the circumstances, the survivor is the one scrutinised. Survivors of sexual violence face immense pressure to remain silent to "protect" family honour or avoid bringing shame upon themselves.

A well-known Khmer proverb, “fruits should not ripen before they change colour,” is often used to symbolise the societal belief that young women should remain virgins until marriage (Yang et al., 2024). This saying reflects a broader cultural framework in which virginity is not regarded as a personal choice but as a moral and social responsibility tied to a woman’s honor and her family's reputation. Within this context, virginity is often viewed as a sacred virtue, one that is expected to be preserved for a future spouse.

Beyond traditional proverbs, Cambodian women are also shaped by the Chbab Srey, a historical code of conduct that prescribes how women are expected to behave in various aspects of life (Anderson & Grace, 2018). Often passed down through generations, the Chbab Srey serves as a moral and social guideline, essentially a set of instructions on how to be a "proper" woman in Cambodian society (Klahaan, 2023). It emphasises virtues such as obedience, modesty, and silence, reinforcing the notion that a woman’s value is closely tied to her ability to conform to societal expectations.

Phrases like “A man is gold; a woman is a white piece of cloth” reflect deeply rooted gender biases in Cambodian society (The Wip, 2010). These metaphors suggest that men, like precious jewels, can be cleansed of their mistakes and retain their value, no matter what they go through. In contrast, women are likened to white cloth; once stained, they are seen as permanently tainted. This harmful mindset implies that a woman’s worth is easily diminished by her past, while a man’s misdeeds are more easily forgiven or forgotten.

Psychological Explanation of Victim-Blaming

Beyond cultural norms, victim blaming can also be explained through psychological concepts like Attribution Theory, which describes how people tend to assign causes for others’ behavior or situations often blaming victims by attributing responsibility to their actions rather than external factors (de la Torre Laso & Rodríguez-Díaz, 2022). Many people engage in victim blaming as a way to make themselves feel safer, believing that something similar will not happen to them. For instance, a person might think, "I would never get raped because I don’t dress the way she does." Another factor is the Just World Phenomenon, where individuals want to believe that the world is inherently fair (Pilat & Sekoul, 2021). As a result, they may assume that if something bad happens to someone, it must be their fault. A person with this mindset might say, "You probably did something to make him think you wanted it." Additionally, some perpetrators disown accountability for the harm they have caused, which helps protect their self-image and maintain more favorable perceptions from others. These psychological frameworks help explain why victim blaming persists so strongly in society, influencing both individual attitudes and community responses to survivors of sexual violence.

These statements shift the responsibility from the criminal to the survivor, creating a dangerous narrative that allows perpetrators to escape scrutiny and consequences while burdening victims with guilt and shame.

The Impact of Victim-Blaming 

Harmful Practices

Tragically, some rape survivors in Cambodia are forced into marriages with their perpetrators, an outcome that, in certain families and communities, is wrongly perceived as a way to restore dignity and to avoid public shame, gossip, or social exclusion. This is especially prevalent among minors or those from rural areas, where social reputation and financial stability are considered paramount. Additionally, financially struggling families may accept such marriages to avoid legal battles or because the perpetrator’s family offers compensation or ongoing support (Jordana, 2017). 

As a result, the survivor’s autonomy and well-being are sacrificed to uphold deeply entrenched cultural norms and economic pressures. According to the LICADHO, a Cambodian human rights organisation, 2.5% of child rape cases and 3% of adult rape cases reviewed between 2012 and 2014 ended in the victim marrying the alleged perpetrator (Crothers, 2015). In communities where reputation is prioritised over individual well-being, rape is often viewed as a source of shame for the family rather than a crime against the survivor. One case from 2013 involved a 14-year-old girl who had been gang-raped by three men. Under pressure to restore dignity, her family arranged for her to marry one of the attackers (Crothers, 2015). This example reflects how the weight of societal expectations can strip survivors of agency and compound their trauma through forced marriage.

Regardless of the reason, whether it’s claimed to be out of the perpetrator’s love, reputation, or financial considerations, forcing a survivor to marry their rapist places them in an incredibly traumatic and powerless position (Tahirih Justice Center, 2024). Psychologically, socially, and physically, the victim is left deeply scarred and vulnerable. This is because marriage to a perpetrator forces the survivor into continuing contact with someone who violated their bodily autonomy, often without any acknowledgment of wrongdoing or consent. The constant presence of the abuser can trigger ongoing fear, anxiety, and emotional distress, effectively preventing the survivor from healing. This practice not only retraumatises survivors but also binds them to a lifetime of violence and emotional suffering, as they are expected to fulfill the roles of a wife and a partner under the same oppressive conditions in which the initial harm occurred (Johnson, 2021).

The Impact of Victim-Blaming on Mental Health

Victim blaming not only harms the survivor emotionally but also creates significant barriers to seeking justice and support, which can severely impact their mental health. When a survivor is blamed for their trauma, they may fear further rejection, shame, exclusion, or not being believed, leading them to remain silent and suffer in isolation (Welsh Women’s Aid, 2023).  This fear of not being believed can prevent them from reporting the abuse, seeking legal action, or accessing necessary emotional support. In such an environment, survivors are left feeling helpless, as the shame and stigma associated with victim blaming overshadow their pursuit of healing and justice. Over time, this discourages open conversations about abuse, reinforcing a cycle of silence and suffering.

Victim blaming has serious emotional and societal consequences. When a survivor of abuse or assault is blamed for what happened to them, it can deeply damage their mental health, leading to increased depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Welsh Women’s Aid, 2023; Loyola University Maryland Counseling Center, 2024). Moreover, victim blaming often leads survivors to develop a deeply negative self-image, manifesting as feelings of shame, worthlessness, or “feeling dirty,” which intensifies their emotional pain and hinders recovery (Smith & Segal, 2025). It often causes them to feel ashamed, isolated, and responsible for the trauma, even though it was never their fault. In addition to these emotional effects, victim blaming can discourage survivors from speaking out, seeking support, or pursuing justice. This silence can allow perpetrators to continue their harmful actions without facing consequences. 

Over time, this pattern reinforces harmful stereotypes and shifts attention away from those responsible for the abuse. As a result, it not only silences survivors but also sends a damaging message to others that if they come forward, they too might be blamed or dismissed. 

Dismantling Victim-Blaming and Way Forward 

The Role of Collective Action and Education 

To dismantle the toxic culture of victim-blaming and impunity, education must play a central role in raising awareness and promoting change. Schools should introduce comprehensive teachings on consent, respect, and gender equality from an early age (Olson, 2022). These efforts are essential to challenge harmful beliefs, dismantle rape culture, and foster healthy, respectful behaviors that help prevent harm. Moreover, it is vital to evaluate whether current school curricula sufficiently address gender equality and consent, identify gaps, and teach everyone about the myths and realities of sexual assault (Peace Over Violence, n.d.). Doing so will better prepare students to confront victim-blaming attitudes and promote respect from an early age. Education empowers individuals with the knowledge and attitudes needed to build a more informed, compassionate, and equitable society. 

The Role of Survivors and Publics

Equally important is the role of survivors, who contribute by sharing their experiences, advocating for justice, and supporting others even though it can be difficult to open up (Smith & Segal, 2025). Trauma often leaves survivors feeling powerless, but recognizing personal strengths and coping skills is vital. Helping others through volunteering or support can be empowering. Joining support groups, whether in-person or online, can help reduce isolation and provides tools for healing. The courage of survivors to speak out breaks the silence, reduces stigma, and inspires systemic change.     

For the general public, instead of blaming the victim, there are several strategies to help change the narrative. First, it’s essential to listen to survivors and let them know it’s safe to share their experiences (Gascon, 2023). Creating an open and supportive environment can make a significant difference in their healing journey. Additionally, take a stand against comments that blame victims. By actively challenging these harmful attitudes, you reinforce the message that survivors are never at fault for what happened to them. It is also important not to accept excuses from abusers. Holding perpetrators accountable for their actions is a crucial step in breaking the cycle of violence. 

Finally, guiding survivors toward safe support systems, such as a therapist, healthcare provider, or shelter, ensures that they have access to the professional help they need to recover.

The Role of Civil Society Organisations

Civil society organisations in Cambodia play a vital role in supporting these educational efforts and addressing the complex issues surrounding gender-based harm. NGOs such as Gender and Development for Cambodia (GADC) and Klahaan conduct evidence-based research to inform advocacy both online and offline, through campaigns, panel discussions, and public engagement. Their work focuses on advancing gender equality, challenging harmful norms, and influencing policy, contributing to a broader support system for survivors.

The Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Cambodia (TPO Cambodia) addresses the mental health dimension by providing trauma-informed care and long-term psychological support to survivors. They also conduct mental health workshops for both survivors and service providers, raising awareness about PTSD, depression, and the lasting impacts of abuse. Their efforts are essential in fostering a trauma-sensitive approach across support services.

When it comes to protecting minors, organisations such as APLE and Child Helpline Cambodia are at the forefront. These NGOs raise awareness about child exploitation and mistreatment, educate children about their rights, and teach them how to recognize and report inappropriate behavior. They also advocate for the enforcement of child protection laws to ensure perpetrators are held accountable and justice is served. Expanding the visibility and reach of Child Helpline Cambodia, especially in rural and underserved areas, is critical to making sure vulnerable children and their families are aware of and able to access these essential services. The helpline provides a safe space where trained counselors offer advice or simply a listening ear to those in need. Child Helpline Cambodia provides several accessible ways for children and young people to connect with trained counsellors. Through the website, users can submit questions via an online form and receive a reply by email within one to three days. Counsellors can also be contacted directly at cambodiachildhelpline@gmail.com. For those who prefer speaking to someone, the helpline can be reached by calling 1280, a free number available from any phone, even without mobile credit. All conversations are treated with strict confidentiality, and personal details such as name, age, and location are only shared if voluntarily provided. In addition, the website offers a Common Questions and Answers section, where frequently asked topics are addressed to provide quick guidance.

In the end, everyone has a role to play in building a safer society. We must all acknowledge that harm is never the victim’s fault; the responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator, who makes a conscious decision to cause it. It’s time to stop blaming the survivor and focus our attention where it belongs: on those who commit these acts. By holding perpetrators accountable and providing meaningful support for survivors, we take a crucial step toward justice and lasting change. Survivors are not defined by what they have endured; they are individuals with strength, resilience, and the power to heal, speak out, and lead change. Empowering them and honouring their agency is fundamental to creating a more just and compassionate world.

About the author: Levin Marisa, is a passionate youth advocate with a strong interest in gender equality, mental health, and education, especially for women and rural communities.