13-year-old Girl Gang Raped by 10 Men

Thursday, 14 March 2013

Last month in a floating village in Kampong Chhnang province, Sophea, a thirteen-year-old Cambodian girl was repeatedly gang raped by large groups of men over the course of 3 nights. There is a phenomenon of gang rape or, “bauk” as it is called in Cambodia, where groups of men recreationally seek out a female to rape. Although most documented cases of bauk occur against prostitutes, a growing number of cases reported to SISHA involve attacks of women and girls unaffiliated with the sex industry. This disturbing phenomenon highlights a dark reality facing Cambodian women where sexual violence is rife.

Sophea’s stepfather owns a small shop in their predominantly Vietnamese neighbourhood. On February 17^th, 2013, Sophea’s foster father was away on business and she was left to manage his shop. Five of the neighborhood men saw her alone and brutally raped her. She reports drowsiness, suggesting that the perpetrators drugged her before or during the attack.

Terrified to report what had happened to her, she remained silent, but 10 men returned the following night. The victim was raped repeatedly and knocked unconscious. She recalls being assaulted again by at least 5 of the men from the previous attack. The victim was coerced into silence, but the 10 men returned on the third night raped the girl yet again.

Sophea’s friend convinced her to tell her foster father about the crimes and he immediately filed a report with the police. The police then contacted SISHA on February the 20^th to assist in investigation. SISHA worked with the police to arrest one of the perpetrators 3 days later. The 9 others rapists fled, possibly back to their homeland in Vietnam. SISHA’s investigation team is currently tracing the remaining offenders. Following the arrest, SISHA took the girl for medical attention as she suffered from multiple injuries. Her medical report will be used as evidence in the coming legal proceedings.

After the arrest, the foster father’s store was vandalized. He is now considering withdrawing his complaint against the men to protect himself and his family. The victim is currently in a shelter receiving counseling. As the case proceeds, SISHA’s legal team will be providing pro bono representation and will push for extradition if the perpetrators escaped to Vietnam.

By Leisha Beardmore

The victim’s name has been changed in this article to protect her identity.