Ratanak International: Fighting Human Trafficking in Cambodia
- BOLT Safety
- May 9
- 2 min read
CW: Human trafficking, sexual violence, abuse
Over 83,000. That’s the number of Cambodians currently living in modern-day slavery. A history of genocide, civil war, and persistent poverty have opened up a cruel, if lucrative, business: promise a young Cambodian work abroad to support their families, and trap them in a cycle of sexual violence and backbreaking work, all while their families never see a single cent.
Ratanak International is a Canadian-based charity that collaborates with Cambodian NGOs, government agencies, and local vulnerable communities to prevent further exploitation and return trafficked individuals to their homes. Their work focuses on four key aspects: prevention through education and economic empowerment; protection through tackling the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and exploitation; return of trafficking survivors from foreign countries, and connecting them with resources to prevent being re-trafficked; and restoration of lives through counseling, educational support, and vocational training.
You can support by donating, volunteering, or attending the upcoming Rhythm of Freedom Emerald Gala on May 23, 2026.
Last Christmas, BOLT Safety Society interviewed Ray Lamont, Ratanak International’s Executive Director. Hear from her about the significance of their work and how we can all be part of a global community:
More BOLT Safety resources:
Let’s talk about consent: https://www.boltsafety.org/post/let-s-talk-about-consent
Making a personal safety plan: https://www.boltsafety.org/post/safety_plan
What is gaslighting? https://www.boltsafety.org/post/what-is-gaslighting
Recognizing signs of abuse: https://www.boltsafety.org/post/recognizing-signs-of-abuse
Terminology: We generally advocate for the use of the term ‘survivor’, however, we additionally use the term ‘victim’ in the context of being victimized by a crime. This is also to respect the varied vocabulary that individuals may choose to describe their experiences.
End victim-blaming: The victim of a crime is never to blame for what was done to them by a perpetrator. The role of an ally is to provide non-judgemental, empathetic, and heartfelt support.
If you know of an organization that we should feature, please email our team at info@boltsafety.org
In solidarity,
The team at BOLT Safety Society
Donate: ko-fi.com/boltsafety
BOLT Safety Society is a federally registered not-for-profit organization in Canada.
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