Barriers to Sexually Exploited Cambodian Women Integrating into Churches: Perspectives of Sexually Exploited Women and the Christian Community

Author: Hester, Tricia; Kong, Sopheak & Miles, Glenn

Abstract: The aim of this cross-sectional study is two-fold. First, it investigates the barriers experienced by sexually exploited Cambodian women when integrating into Christian churches. Second, it explores pastors’ perspectives towards sexually exploited women integrating into churches. A mixed-method approach to data collecting was designed. Participants’ answers were gathered by the staff of a faith-based non-governmental organization (NGO) in Cambodia that assists women in exiting the commercial sex industry. The concept of spirituality is important to distinguish, within the context of this study, because it has been found within research to play a meaningful and relevant role in the (re)integration process. Several important discoveries were made at the completion of the study. The pastors’ surveys revealed that respondents were extremely open to reach out to sexually exploited women; however, understanding how to strategically accomplish this was a significant barrier. Another major discovery revealed that the majority of the women listed job commitments and family as the predominant barriers to attending church when (re)integrating into the community. None of the women listed discrimination by church congregations as a barrier. Three main areas were identified in this study that need further consideration. More research needs to be done regarding the social, cultural, and religious influences of family members as a primary barrier to attending church. In addition, deeper exploration and closer analysis need to be done into how faith-based NGOs operate to reach spiritual outcome goals during the (re)integration process. Lastly, church congregations need additional educational support services regarding the existing barriers to church attendance for sexually exploited women.

Keywords: Cambodia, Christian churches, discrimination, integration, NGO, (re)integration, sex industry, sexual exploitation, sexually exploited women, stigma