By Tann Kimchanveasna
Forced marriage was intended to increase the population of Cambodia, According to Dy Kampoly in his book A History of Democratic Kampuchea 1975-1979. This meant that not only were men and women forced to marry at that time, but also they were forced to consummate their marriage. In addition, some couples were forced to have children. Rape and forced marriage was included in the proceedings of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Court of Cambodia (Khmer Rouge Tribunal) case 002/02 against the highest Khmer Rouge leaders. One Khmer Rouge survivor, Soum Vorn, was forced to marry in 1977. In addition, she was pressured to carry the baby that resulted from that marriage. Vorn shares her story.