Terre des Hommes Netherlands introduces Trauma-informed Care in Cambodia

Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL), an international child rights organisation, led a training for seven non-government organisations in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, including  government officials from the Royal Government of Cambodia. The training was kicked-off on 6th July morning at Diakonia Ecumenical Centre, Phnom Penh​, and will last three days. The opening speech was delivered by Her Excellency , Head of the Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (DoSVY) of Phnom Penh province.

The purpose of the training was to build the capacity of service providers such as social workers who work with children affected by sexual abuse and exploitation. It aims to integrate them with a trauma-informed care approach. The training content was designed in collaboration with international child protection experts. After the training, TdH NL will provide quarterly coaching to the organisations and government departments involved.

Trauma-informed care is an approach to social work that understands and adapts to the experiences of victims and the effects that trauma has on their minds, bodies, and daily lives. When working with children, being trauma-informed means that you take into consideration what impact trauma can have and that you are aware that certain language, behaviours, or things can trigger re-traumatization.

“A trauma-informed care ensures the safety and trust of a child needed for their  recovery. This approach is new in Cambodia and we are proud to organise this important training” said Ms. Zoe de Melo, Cambodia Project Manager at TdH NL. Through this training, TdH NL supports the quality of care in Cambodia by supporting government and NGO services to integrate the latest standards of social work.

TdH NL is a Dutch International NGO and was established in Cambodia in 2007. It aims to prevent child exploitation, remove children from exploitative situations ,and to ensure that these children can continue their development in a safe environment. TdH NL works through local partners, mainly in Asia and East Africa. 

The NGOs involved in this training are Auscam Freedom Project, Krousar Thmey Foundation, Feeding Dreams, Hard Places Community, Hope for Justice, This Life Cambodia, and Chab Dai Coalition. Government officials from the Department of Women’s Affairs (DoWA), the Department of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (DoSVY), and the Provincial Committee for Counter-Trafficking (PCCT) Siem Reap also attended.