Cambodian human rights group ADHOC says recorded cases of rape and domestic violence fell by nearly a third in 2025 compared with the previous year. However, it warns that survivors continue to face significant barriers when seeking justice and legal protection.
In a report released on July 2, 2026, ADHOC said the gender based violence cases it monitored declined by 29 percent from 2024.
The organisation recorded 122 rape cases in 2025, a reduction of 48 cases from the previous year. It also documented 75 cases of domestic violence, down by 32.
Despite the decline, ADHOC said the handling of gender based violence cases remains difficult, leaving many survivors unable to secure adequate protection, compensation, or justice.
The report identified several major challenges, including excessive alcohol consumption, a lack of trust in law enforcement and the justice system, fear of retaliation by perpetrators, and difficulties accessing legal support and compensation.
ADHOC said the process of seeking civil compensation is complicated and costly, creating an additional obstacle for survivors, particularly vulnerable women and children.
The organisation said these problems increase the psychological and financial burden on survivors. It called on the government to strengthen measures to reduce harmful alcohol consumption, improve law enforcement and the justice system, expand health services, and raise public awareness of the impact of domestic violence.
ADHOC also urged civil society groups and community leaders to continue violence prevention work, support vulnerable groups, strengthen community assistance networks, and improve cooperation with local authorities.
Responding to the report, Ministry of Women’s Affairs spokesperson Sum Vannareth told journalists that ADHOC’s figures could not represent the full scale of gender based violence across Cambodia.
However, Sum Vannareth agreed that the decline in cases recorded by ADHOC could reflect joint efforts by relevant institutions to prevent gender based violence.
