Executive Summary from Chab Dai:

The Butterfly project is the result of a collaborative response by predominantly Chab Dai anti-trafficking agencies in Cambodia who have been working with victim/survivors of sexual exploitation for nearly two decades. Over the years, these agencies and assistance programs have expressed their desire to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of their programs, particularly in terms of their clients’ long-term (re-) integration experiences.

The main activities undertaken will be to conduct qualitative research interviews with participants that adhere to ethical research guidelines and thereafter conduct data management and analysis. Thematic Papers based on research findings will be produced once or twice each year and round table discussions will be conducted with program partners and stakeholders. We will also disseminate and present research findings and recommendations at local and international conferences.

The total direct cohort of 128 participants and their families will be directly affected as they have the opportunity to express their perspectives and experiences through voluntary participation in this longitudinal research study, as well as receive psychosocial support and referral services from project staff.

Indirectly, the longitudinal research project has very much an advocacy component, so hundreds and potentially thousands of survivors will be impacted by the voices and experiences of these survivors, not only within these 10 years but also over a longer period.

Measurable Outcomes:

• 128 Survivors of sexual exploitation/trafficking have the opportunity to express their perspectives about their reintegration experiences through participating in a longitudinal study in order to give dignity and voice to this marginalized group.
• Through presenting survivors’ voice, the Butterfly projects’ 15 direct NGOs partners (grant MoU with Butterfly project and allowed team access to participants during research period), along with other relevant stakeholders in Cambodia are informed to fit their strategies with survivors’ needs.
• Research findings and lessons learned will be disseminated producing up to 6 further thematic papers over a three year period and to create a dialogue among people who are concerned with and/or addressing reintegration following sexual exploitation and trafficking. Each year, at least 5 academics, 10 Cambodia government officials, 5 US Government from TIP office and 5 NGOs who work directly with survivors would benefit from the research.