Many people I talk to do not believe that their husbands or lovers will cheat on them or can possibly carry any diseases. I constantly tell people that it could happen to anyone, but too many seem ambivalent. When I pass out condoms, some boast about using them, but behind closed doors, you never know. I tell people that I have worked with many straight and gay men, and that a lot of them are involved in clandestine sexual activities. I have worked with of a lot of Cambodian men who visit Cambodia and sleep with prostitutes without protection.
People are more receptive when they realize that they are affected.
This kind of information makes people think. In general, Cambodians are very shy and reserved, and are very uncomfortable discussing safer sex and condoms. They prefer to read the brochures and pamphlets privately. They will come to me for new information and I will not have any to give. Literature in Khmer is limited.