In the process of providing conflict counseling and mediation training, Peace Bridges heard consistent requests for more resources that help transform family conflict and violence. We also learned that the training Peace Bridges offered in conflict counseling and mediation had significantly impacted peacebuilder perceptions of family conflict and their ability to engage it, and that some peacebuilders were now teaching these skills to other families in their communities.
In response, Peace Bridges began the process of developing programming relevant to family conflict and violence. The first step was the completion of a Background Study on Family Violence in Cambodia (available HERE), a literature review that combined current research from a western, psychological perspective with a Cambodian, advocacy-oriented perspective. In August 2008, Peace Bridges hired a new staff member to work with expatriate advisors to build staff capacity and explore appropriate ways for Peace Bridges to address these needs. We have clarified three key components for this program development:
i) Contributing to the body of knowledge about peace education KASH applicable to family conflict and violence
ii) Building capacity among Peace Bridges' staff and peacebuilders to design, participate in, and apply research-based program development
iii) Identifying potential opportunities for community peace builders to promote healthy family relations, as well as preventing and healing domestic violence
