This core programme of the CWCC was started in 1997 in Phnom Penh, with only three Cambodian staff, one advisor from the United States and one volunteer. Now based in three provinces, the Assisting Women in Crisis (AWC) programme performs many of the core activities of the CWCC.
The Assisting Women in Crisis program is divided into 3 core components, the first being centred on providing practical services to women and their children in crisis, the second focusing on the provision of legal support and the third on reintegrating women back into their communities where this is their express wish.
Confidential Crisis Services
The pressing need for a confidential shelter in Cambodia was the impetus for the creation of the Cambodian Women's Crisis Centre. Now there are three shelters in Banteay Meanchey, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The Confidential Crisis Centre provides women and their children with a safe, supportive environment where they can seek the assistance they need, depending on their individual circumstance. The centre provides emergency accommodation for women and their children where it is unsafe for them to remain in their own homes. The maximum time for clients to stay in the centre is six months. At the shelter all basic physical needs are provided for, including food, clothing and toiletries.
The centre also offers numerous support services such as counselling, medical treatment, literacy and vocational training, life skills, as well as providing assistance for children to attend school and child care for younger children. The centre's trained, experienced staff endeavour to create an environment that is nurturing and compassionate as it aims to build the shattered self-esteem and dignity of women who have undergone horrendous suffering.
In 2005, 762 women and children received care in one of the CWCC's centre's, benefiting from many of its services.
Monitoring and Legal Services
The monitoring and legal services receives and records complaints as well as providing information to women of their human rights and legal options. Should they wish to purse legal action, the CWCC will assist women with obtaining legal representation and monitor their case as it proceeds through the court. It also monitors and documents reports of abuses against women, advocating for protection under the law and seeking justice on behalf of victims.
In 2005, the CWCC recorded 1,264 cases of gender based abuse and provided most of these women with services such as accommodation, counselling and the like. Furthermore, 174 victims of gender based violence were represented in court with assistance provided by the CWCC. A further 571 new complaints were lodged by the CWCC on behalf of its clients.
Reintegration/Repatriation Services
This program offers assistance to women who wish to be reintegrated or repatriated into their communities after being trafficked. The CWCC works with all parties including the family of the victim, their community, the Government Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA), NGO's, and relevant Embassies, helping to reintegrate women back into their community as well as working to dispel the stigma that is often faced by victims of sexual exploitation.
Community Organizing
Facilitating community discussions and organizing among villages, local authorities, and local police to sensitize them about the issues relating to VAW, inform them of the laws against VAW, and enhance their ability to tackle the problems in their communities themselves.