Since 2017, International Needs NZ has partnered with Chab Dai in Cambodia to restore dignity and hope to survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Over the years, the project has evolved to meet growing needs.
What is Chab Dai?
Chab Dai (which means “join hands”) is a courageous coalition in Cambodia working with survivors of human trafficking and sexual abuse. For many years International Needs NZ has supported Chab Dai’s legal advocacy – helping survivors safely report abuse and pursue justice. That legal work has been life-changing. But as we’ve learned from survivors and partners on the ground, legal support is only one part of what rebuilding a life requires.
Why we’re expanding our support
Survivors often face multiple, overlapping needs after abuse: urgent safety, ongoing counselling, medical care, and the practical means to support themselves and their families. If we stop at the courtroom, survivors can still be left vulnerable to poverty, re-trauma or social isolation.
So we’re expanding our partnership to support the whole pathway of care: not just legal aid, but also emergency and trauma support, and vocational training that helps survivors regain independence and dignity.
What the expanded program includes
- Legal support – helping survivors take courageous steps to pursue justice and hold their abusers accountable in court.
- Emergency aid & trauma care – counselling, medical care, shelter, food and other immediate needs that help survivors begin to heal.
- Vocational training – giving survivors of abuse the skills and support they need to generate income and begin reintegrating into society.
Why this matters – a real story
Our recent postal appeal featured the story of Samnang to illustrate why this broader approach is needed.
Samnang grew up in a home that should have been safe. After enduring abuse, she found the courage to speak out and filed a complaint. Alone, she could not have navigated the legal system – she could not have afforded a lawyer, or known how to give evidence safely.
Chab Dai stepped in. Their team provided legal advocacy, protection and practical support. Because of their help, Samnang was able to give testimony by video from a safe location and her abuser was brought to trial. In her own words:
“Their lawyer and their team stepped in to help me. They gave me the confidence and courage to pursue justice in court… I am very thankful.”
– Samnang
But court is not the end of the story. Trauma runs deep, and poverty can trap survivors in ongoing vulnerability. That’s why Chab Dai’s model now includes emergency care and vocational training – so women like Samnang can begin to heal and build an independent future. Samnang dreams of training as a tailor; with skills and support she could soon support herself and her family.
Watch Samnang’s testimony HERE.
(Trigger warning: Samnang’s testimony contains descriptions of abuse and may be upsetting.)
How you can stand with survivors
Your generosity helps make this full pathway of care possible – walking with survivors not only through the legal process, but through recovery and into a new future. Every gift, prayer, and word of encouragement helps keep these services available for women like Samnang.
If you’d like to be part of this work, visit innz.org.nz/project/chab-dai/ or call 0800 463 337.