Since 2000, IJM has been working in Cambodia to bring rescue and relief to victims of sexual violence, including trafficked women and children, and to prosecute their perpetrators. 20,000 females or more are engaged in the sex trade in Cambodia, and 60 percent of them report being forced into prostitution. As many as one third of the individuals in the sex industry are children. In response to this desperate need, IJM has worked with determination and courage to rescue hundreds of victims of trafficking.

In 2009 alone, IJM investigations resulted in 33 arrests of suspected perpetrators of commercial sexual exploitation of children, 19 convictions and prison sentences, and 54 trafficked women and children rescued and removed from places where they were abused and exploited for sex. Eight establishments where children were bought and sold for sex were closed in 2009 as a result of IJM’s efforts.

In 2009, (with financial support from Crossroads Christian Communications), IJM Canada joined with IJM to open a second Cambodian office in Siem Reap.  While best known for its proximity to the temples of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap has also become known in recent years as a destination for sex tourism.  IJM opened a field office in Siem Reap to create an even greater level of protection and restoration for children in Cambodia.


Kunthy*'s Story


Kunthy (*a pseudonym) was trafficked into prostitution in Cambodia at age 13. She was held captive in a dilapidated structure the locals called the “Anarchy Building,” where she was raped nightly and routinely beaten, drugged and threatened by the brothel keeper and pimp.

Kunthy was discovered through an IJM undercover investigation. After documenting proof of her imprisonment, IJM staff worked with local authorities to ensure her rescue, and pursued the prosecution of the brothel owner and pimp, who were sentenced to 15 and 10 years in prison respectively.

Today, Kunthy lives in an aftercare home, where she is healing from her abuse in a secure and loving environment. Her dream is to own an Internet café and design websites for businesses. Right now, she works at a part-time job with a local NGO, attends a computer training school and is thriving in the freedom and security of her transitional home.

+ Read more of Kunthy's story