Prison Project

Sihanoukville Prison Project

Women living with children in prison

The poor judicial system of Cambodia results in numbers of women and children spending an often uncertain time in prison without trial. Many of these women are poor and have been arrested for minor offenses. Their time in prison is often harsh.

Women, who are pregnant or live with their children in prison, are provided the same amount of food as other prisoners. This food is shared with their children, resulting in malnourishment and poor health.
There is also a lack of adequate sanitary facilities and knowledge in basic hygiene.

Starfish works to improve and provide good hygienic conditions, nutritious food and education for these women and children. Women who are forced to give birth during their time in prison are provided with medical care and follow up care.

Starfish provides preventive and vocational education programs to give the women more options after they have served their sentences.