Justice. It is a passion of mine.
I get worked up about it. Sometimes a little too much.
Sometimes I get a little pushy, upset, in your face. (not my strong suit, I know)
Since the moment I moved to Cambodia, I see injustice
EVERYDAY.
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is to look at it
through a cultural lens, through their shoes. Some people don’t know any
different so why should I expect them to know justice, or love, or forgiveness
when they themselves have never seen or received it? If the police are corrupt
why would I expect them to seek out justice in the law? If injustice has
happened in your family, to your neighbors, and to most people that you know –
then why do I expect you to be as shocked as I?
I’ve learned to have realistic expectations. This by NO
means excuses injustice. But by having a real perspective, I believe it allows
me to serve better, pray better and deal better. I try to have this perspective with every
situation I encounter.
But today was DIFFICULT.
I found out something that made me feel physically ill. It
made me want to get up and scream at the top of my lungs, “THIS ISN’T RIGHT”
Rape. What does this mean for its victim? In most countries,
when a person is raped, you can pursue action with the authorities. (I know
that in some countries, the burden of proof can be an issue but stay with me).
The current law in Cambodia states that criminal charges can
be filed against the perpetrator and compensation can be given to the victim. Often
the public does not know this law, because that is not usually how it goes
down.
What typically happens is the victim or their family will
seek out compensation and if they don’t receive “JUSTICE” they will then go to
the authorities.
Then if the perpetrator has money he can bribe officials and
make sure the case never goes to court. If he doesn’t have money he will
usually give some compensation to the victim, but he will still never go to
court, because the victim has received at least something.
Meaning compensation REPLACES sentencing or EQUALS justice.
Compensation FROM the perpetrator! If a victim requests money after being raped,
OR their family does, this is seen as justice. The perpetrator can get out of
going to court BECAUSE they were PAID. They bought the sex. The rape has been
purchased.
But there is more. UGH, there is more. What often happens and
is mostly seen as “ideal” is that the perpetrator will offer to marry his
victim. To be offered to marry your perpetrator is viewed as the best case
scenario because it is better to be married to the man that raped you than to
be raped and unwed. Once you are raped, you are seen as ruined goods. A victim
would rather be later divorced by the man or make an attempt to love him. This
is accepted by society. This is ideal.
WHATTTTTTTT
THIS is justice!?!? Unwanted sex forced upon someone is okay
as long as it is paid for afterwards? Or the action is okay because you will
marry her? That somehow excuses your behavior? How must women feel? What does
this say about their worth?
WE NEED TRUTH!
Unfortunately, I know Cambodia is not alone. I know that
many governments are unjust and “under the table” deals exist. But what does this
message send to its victims? To its people? To the men in that country? Money
is the solution? Marriage is more honorable than saying RAPE IS WRONG!? The
woman has done NOTHING wrong but this is how she is shown justice? money?
forced marriage?
WE NEED TRUTH! I know there is grace in all things but I am
so worked up Lord.
I have nowhere left to turn but to the throne of God. There
is nothing I can do but cry out:
God, your kingdom come. I know this is not your will. Take
my anger as I know it accomplishes nothing. Please be with all victims of rape
all over the world. Please stir up change here. Please Father, help us.
I pray for laws, justice and the effects it has on every man,
woman, and child. I pray for cultural things we accept BUT ARE WRONG. That
devalues individuals. I pray for accountability of laws all over the world. I
pray for truth to be spoken over victims of abuse of any kind, that they are
not ruined goods.
I pray that money wouldn’t be a driving force in the world.
That we would chose to see values in individuals OVER money.
For God to encounter us and speak truth over who we are, and
how we are seen in the eyes of the Creator of the universe.
I pray for your spirit, for your justice in the government.
I give it to you Lord. Lead. Lead us all.
