First, there is a need to find cultural resources for addressing domestic violence. This was the major deficit in the literature and represents a unique opportunity for Cambodians to create strategies and programs that will be culturally relevant and persuasive. Areas with perhaps the greatest needs and potential include: parenting, attitudes toward violence, healing from trauma, male identity, and recovery of children who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence.
Second, there is a need for education and training that creates awareness and impetus for changing gender stereotypes that contribute to violence against women. Peace Bridges is already teaching along similar themes, especially in the areas of prejudice and discrimination. This seems like an ideal topic for Peace Bridges to explore.
Third, Peace Bridges is also well positioned to explore both bridges and barriers in religious faith for domestic violence. Two tracks would be fruitful, with Peace Bridges working with its Christian partners to equip churches, as well as finding violence issues as a natural bridge to begin working with the larger, especially Buddhist, community.
Fourth, the advocacy work being done by many NGOs in Cambodia on behalf of victims of family violence brings the possibility of forming creative and cooperative partnerships. Peace Bridges' emphasis on interpersonal communication and relationships is a natural complement to organizations seeking to impact systems and legislation, and Peace Bridges' mediation services could provide crucial help to those who either cannot or will not seek legislative solutions to family violence.
