PROGRAM
FSC applies the Socio-Ecological Model, a model that considers the complex interplay between individual, relationship, community, and societal factors.
The model also highlights the importance to act across multiple levels of the model at the same time. This approach is more likely to sustain prevention efforts over time than any single intervention. Our programs are aligned with this approach and are designed to tackle the issues of child sexual abuse on all levels in society simultaneously. In 2019, FSC was selected as a promising practice by the Family Care First network.
The model allows us to understand the range of factors that put children at risk for violence or protect them from experiencing or perpetrating violence. The overlapping rings in the model illustrate how factors at one level influence factors at another level.
We empower children, youth and parents to become child protection agents through series of awareness raising sessions and their participation in different levels of government meetings. We increase the understanding of child sexual abuse, especially boys, among Cambodians at all levels of society. We strengthen reporting mechanisms and appropriate response in our NGO and national networks.
We provide specialist training, consultation and coaching opportunities to improve the capacity of social service workforce and agencies to ensure they deliver quality services to children and families affected by sexual abuse, harmful sexual behaviors and psycho social issues. We lead and contribute to research related to child sexual abuse and sexually harmful behavior.
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First Step Cambodia advocates for the protection of children from sexual abuse, focusing on boys and also supporting children with harmful sexual behaviors, LGBTIQ+ individuals, and children with disabilities. FSC collaborates with stakeholders to raise awareness and enhance support services, challenging traditional taboos and advocating for policy changes that address the unique needs of these vulnerable groups.
We provide social work services that are appropriate and sensitive to children who are at risk of or affected by sexual abuse, and children displaying harmful sexual behaviors. We build on the child’s strengths and apply the Social-Ecological Model, engaging with the children’s parents/caregivers, supporters and community, making them an integral part of the process.
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We strive to base our social work and programs design on sound research. As research into the issues of sexual abuse, especially related to boys, is scarce in Cambodia, FSC has been leading and contributing to evidence-based research related to the sexual abuse of boys, and harmful behavior sexual displayed by children, in Cambodia and the wider region.
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First Step Cambodia participates in Blue Umbrella Day, a global initiative addressing sexual violence affecting boys. FSC organizes discussions and awareness events across Cambodia, aligning with its mission to protect children from abuse. FSC also advocates for international recognition of this day to enhance support for affected boys.
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