Children of Survivors

CERI primarily serves Cambodian survivors of the Khmer Rouge genocide who resettled in the U.S. in the 80s. More than 30 years after the “killing fields,” almost all of these survivors still struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and other psychological disorders as a result of the atrocities they witnessed and experienced during this period. This trauma was often exacerbated by their resettlement process—first in refugee camps in Thailand and then in the poor and high-crime neighborhoods of Oakland. In addition, the majority of these refugees were illiterate farmers in their home country, making it difficult to find employment once they relocated. These multiple stress factors have meant that many Cambodian refugees have focused almost exclusively on survival and on adequately meeting the emotional needs of their children.

Many young Cambodian males seek identity, community and money through youth gangs. In Alameda County, between 1991 and 2000, Cambodian youth arrests increased 183.3%. with a 24-month recidivism rate of nearly 40% (Asian Pacific Islander Youth Violence Prevention Center, 2001).

Teen girls from Cambodian refugee families often resort to prostitution or engage in risky sexual behavior (Le and Kato, 2006). As a result, the teen pregnancy rate for Cambodian teens is 11%—almost twice as high as the state's Asian/Pacific Islander (API) population (6%) (Weitz et al., 2001). While the rate of alcohol use in the Cambodian community is extremely low due to cultural reasons, research suggests that there is increased use by more Americanized youth (Rand 2005). Also, Cambodians reported a smoking rate of 42% and were three times more likely to smoke if their peers or family smoked (Ma et al., 2003).

Cambodians have one of the lowest educational attainment rates of any API group. More than half have less than a high school degree. Only 33% complete high school and less than 10% earn a college degree (Asian American Justice Center, 2006). Given that education is the gateway to higher income and that there is a direct link between higher income and access to health care and lower disease and death rates, increasing educational attainment rates is crucial.