Dear Editor,

I applaud the unwavering efforts of the Project Against Domestic Violence (PADV), the Cambodian Women Crisis Center (CWCC) and other local NGOs to bring the hidden shame of domestic violence to a broader audience again at this year's Water Festival. In virtually every Phnom Penh Post published, domestic violence has been a recurring theme in police blotters. And for every appalling case, it is expected that there are several more that are not reported.

Despite the establishment of laws prohibiting domestic violence, the social problem continues to affect families and communities all over the country; poor or rich, young or old, countless family arguments tend to result in some form of abuse.

The effort to reduce domestic violence needs to be a concerted effort by mass media, local authorities, educators and civil society organizations.

By persistently raising the argument against domestic violence and educating the public in a multidimensional approach, there can be hope for families to live in "happy homes".

Limyi Heng

MSW Student

Send letters to: [email protected] or P.O. Box 146, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Post reserves the right to edit letters to a shorter length.