PROJECTS | Cambodia | Child Protection

M’Lop Tapang’s work focuses largely on prevention, helping children and their families to understand the very real dangers that exist within Sihanoukville and how they can best keep themselves safe from harm. M’Lop Tapang’s social workers work very closely with vulnerable children and families, educating them on the methods used by sex predators. M’Lop Tapang has established a network of children who are at high risk of abuse. Meeting daily with this network allows the Child Protection Team to access a constant flow of information related to potential abusers and victims. Peer educators are provided with regular training sessions on child protection at M’Lop Tapang’s Day Centre. This network is empowered to look after themselves and also their friends, passing on information they have learnt to children who come into close contact with tourists and making sure they are aware of available services.

M’Lop Tapang runs a ChildSafe project that aims to build a network of key community members, such as taxi drivers, guest houses and internet cafes, who M’Lop Tapang have trained to recognise suspicious behaviour and help protect local children from all dangerous situations - from sexual abuse to road traffic accidents. ChildSafe ensures that there is a 24-hour presence of well informed, trained and caring community members looking out for the safety and protection of vulnerable children in Sihanoukville. There are now 80 members of ChildSafe in Sihanoukville who are highly recognisable by their ChildSafe logos and ID cards.