2

Table of Contents
Personal Security and Risk Reduction
Personal Security Strategies ……………………………………………….………….. 4
Peace Corps Crime ………………………………………………………………………... 5
RADAR ……………………………………………………………………………………….…. 5
Personal Security and Risk Reduction Key Terms Crossword Puzzle…… 6

Coping with Unwanted Attention

Setting Personal Boundaries……………………………………………………………. 7
Strategies to Cope with Unwanted Attention ……………………………………. 8
Unwanted Attention Reflection ……………………………………………………….. 9
Stalking Case Study ……………………………………………………………………... 10

Sexual Assault Awareness and Impact

Was I Sexually Assaulted? …………………………………………………………….. 11
Common Questions ………………………………………………………………………. 12
Impact of Sexual Assault ……………………………………………………………… 13
Sex Signals ………………………………………………………………………………….. 14
Cross Cultural Dating ……………………………………………………………………. 15
Sexual Assault Awareness……………………………………………………........... 16

Sexual Assault Reporting and Impact

Peace Corps Mythbusters: Assumptions and Facts………………………….. 17
Commitment to Sexual Assault Victims ……………………………………….... 19
Sexual Harassment ………………………………………………………………………. 19
Reporting and Response ……………………………………………………………….. 20
Confidentiality Within Peace Corps………………………………………………… 21
Networking for Knowledge…………………………………………………………….. 22
Eight Services for Sexual Assault Victims ……………………………………… 25
In-Country Designated Staff for Responding to Sexual Assault ……...... 25

Bystander Intervention
Bystander Intervention …………………………………………………………………. 26
Bystander Intervention Strategies ………………………..…………….............. 27

APPENDIX A- Bridge to Site …………………………………………………..……… 28

APPENDIX B- Final SS TLO Assessment………………………………………..... 29
APPENDIX C- Host Community Interview Form …………………..…………… 31
APPENDIX D- Key Office Information…………………………………..………….. 32

3
Personal Security and
Risk Reduction
Each year…
1reports 5
out of every PCVs
being the victim of crime.
What are the common crimes:
Against PCVs in country:

In general in your country of service:

Directions: Draw a line from the personal security strategy term on the
left to the correct definition on the right.
Reducing the likelihood that
something bad might happen
and reducing the impact if it
does happen.
Reduces the tension and
keeps situations from
escalating out of control
Move away to safety not just
away from danger
If all else fails, use these
verbal, psychological, or
physical mechanisms.
Looking out for warning signs,
places to go for help.
Conscious of your
surroundings- your
environment, habits,
4
weaknesses and strengths.
Write a few key words to remember
the definitions for the common
Crimes listed below:

Theft:

Burglary:

*Statistical Report of Crimes Against

Volunteers 2012. For further information
relevant to your country of service, please refer
Robbery: to your Welcome Book

The only person to

blame for a crime
happening is the
A few mitigation strategies I want to remember:
perpetrator.
Although we
cannot control the
actions of the
perpetrator, we can
reduce risk by
staying vigilant and
Radar: Fill in the blanks.
using the
principles of
R ________ the danger RADAR.
A ________ your options
D ________ what’s best for you
A ________ when the time is right

R ________ as things change

5
Personal Security and
Risk Reduction 1 2

4 5

7 8

10

11 12

13

14

Key Terms

Across
1 When someone uses force to take something from you or when someone threatens to harm you if you
don’t surrender your property.
7 A safety strategy that can be used when you have no other options.
8 Defense strategy- Engaging in actual combat with the assailant – should usually be your last resort.
9 The susceptibility of a person, object or place to a danger or dangers.
10 Protection against accidents and natural dangers (as opposed to intentional man-made dangers).
14 Steps taken to reduce risk by reducing the likelihood that a dangerous event will occur or the impact if it
does.

Down
2 When someone enters your home or room without your permission, even if they don’t steal anything.
3 Defense strategy, to scream for help or create a disturbance to get the attention of anyone who can help.
4 The foundation for all of your personal security strategies.
5 Moving towards safety, not just running away from danger.
6 Protection against man-made dangers.
7 A condition with the potential to cause illness, injury, death, property damage or loss.
8 Defense strategy- To cry, plead, beg or act crazy – anything that might dissuade the attacker.
11 Strategy to try to keep things from getting out of control.
12 A heightened sense of awareness.
13 The probability that a dangerous event will actually occur and the impact if it does.
DEFUSION, DEFENSE, DANGER, BURGLAR, AWARENESS
ROBBERY, RISK, PSYCHOLOGICAL, PHYSICAL, MITIGATION, ESCAPE, 6
WORD BANK:VULNERABILITY, VIGILANCE, VERBAL, SECURITY, SAFETY,
Coping with Unwanted
Attention

How do you think the Volunteer is being impacted by what is happening in

the cartoon?

These are my personal boundaries and tolerance levels when it comes to:
1.) Sexual unwanted attention, such as catcalls

2.) Non-sexual unwanted attention, such as thrown rocks or being charged higher prices

Language Box
Local phrases to use when dealing with unwanted attention.

7
Strategies to Cope with
Unwanted Attention
Directions: Following are some strategies for coping with unwanted
attention. Check off ( ) the ones you plan to use and write other ideas
in the space below.
 Walk purposefully. Always walk with confidence and purpose.

 Look assertive. Hold your head high, shoulders back and present yourself as a
professional demanding respect.

 Nod (to acknowledge) and keep on walking. Simply recognizing the person can help
ward off unwanted attention. Many times an inappropriate comment is an effort to get
attention.

 Dress appropriately. Keep in mind what is culturally appropriate.

 Greetings. Sometimes a polite “Good Morning” can thwart a potential unwanted

comment, but at other times it can escalate the situation. If this strategy does not work,
try a different one.

 Pretend that you heard something else. “I agree, the weather HAS been really great
recently. Have a nice day, bye!”

 Humor. Use humor to lighten the moment and solicit another response. For example, if
you are told that you would make a good lover, reply that your spouse is sure to agree!
Keep walking. This may not work with a persistent individual, so please keep trying
different strategies when needed.

 Be polite but firm. It is quite normal to stand your ground. “I am offended by your
comment; please do not address me in that manner.”

 Maintain your composure. Try to remain calm even if you feel upset. The converse is
also true; try not to show hostility as this may provoke a confrontation. It is best to remove
yourself from a situation if you feel that you are losing control.

 Never say “next time.” Make no promises for another time, because you can be sure
that the next time they see you, they will remind you of that promise.

 Write other ideas you have below:

Spectrum of Responses to
Unwanted Attention
Passive/ •Taking no action
•Remaining silent
Avoidant •Changing your routine, taking a different route

•Standing up for your own rights without putting down the rights of others
•Respecting yourself as well as the other person
Assertive •Telling someone exactly what you want in a way that does not seem rude or
threatening to them

•Expressing your feelings, opinions or desires in a way that threatens or

Aggressive/ punishes the other person
Attacking •Standing up for your own rights with no thought for the other person
•Putting yourself first at the expense of others

Unwanted Attention Reflection

The reaction someone has to unwanted attention is highly personal and
depends on the type of unwanted attention received.

I will stay aware of my reaction to unwanted attention by:

Coping strategies I will try at site are:

9
Stalking Case Study
Directions: In the following case study underline the words that are
warning signs leading up to a stalking incident.
A Volunteer is having issues with a coworker. Over the course of the past few weeks, the coworker
has asked the PCV to go out on a date repeatedly. The PCV declined the offers by saying they are
too busy, but one time the coworker was insistent, so the PCV gave them their phone number. Since
giving the coworker their number, the PCV has received several text messages from them each day.
Some messages are just to say hello, and others include romantic poems that the PCV finds creepy.
Yesterday evening when the PCV went home, they were shocked to find a gift and a card that said
“For my Love” on their bed. The PCV is pretty sure it’s from the coworker since they had asked many
times to come over and were seen following them home one evening. The whole situation is starting
to make the PCV very uncomfortable and a little scared.

Which emotion would cause a change from unwanted attention to stalking?

What is cyber stalking?

At first, I was really excited about blogging

Mitigation strategies I can use to
reduce the risk of being cyber stalked:
about my PC experience so friends and family
could get a taste of life in the remote village.
Not long after getting placed at site, I noticed
that a guy kept randomly following me. While
walking back to my house, he ran up and
started walking with me. He asked personal
questions and knew information that I hadn’t
told anyone verbally in country. The
information was shared with the public on my
blog so it seemed okay, except his persistence
was alarming. I talked to my SSM about how
to handle the situation who advised me to be
careful about what I posted on the internet,
and to only provide personal information in
private email exchanges.

10
Was I Sexually Assaulted?
The country-specific legal definition of sexual assault differs among Peace Corps
countries. However, Peace Corps asks these questions to help the agency classify
crimes of a sexual nature:
Was there unwanted kissing on the mouth or touching of the
Sexual Assault Volunteer's genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh or
buttocks? Were any of these acts attempted?

Aggravated Was there contact with the Volunteer’s genitalia, anus, groin, breast,

Sexual
inner thigh, or buttocks, or disrobing, or kissing AND any of the
following: use of or threat of use of a weapon; or the use or threat of

Assault
use of force or intimidation; or the Volunteer was incapable of giving
consent? Were any of these acts attempted?

Rape
Was the vagina, anus or mouth penetrated against the will of the
Volunteer? Was the Volunteer forced to perform oral sex on
another person or penetrate another person against his/her will?

Sexual Assault
Sharing with someone about an incident can be full of anxiety and takes courage – Peace Corps
staff treats Volunteers with dignity and respect no matter the circumstances and will provide
Volunteers with the support they need. Below is some important information adapted from the Rape,
Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) that can help Volunteers understand the nature of
sexual assaults.

There are two main considerations to help Volunteers judge whether or not a sexual act is
consensual (consensual means that both people are old enough to consent, have the capacity to
consent, and agreed to the sexual contact). If it is not consensual, then it is a crime.

Did both people have the capacity to consent? Did both people have the physical, mental, and
legal capacity to consent? Those with diminished capacity – for example, some people with
disabilities, some elderly people and people who have been drugged or are unconscious – may not
have the ability to consent to have sex.

Did both participants agree to take part? Did someone use physical force to make an individual
have sexual contact with him/her? Was an individual threatened or coerced to make them have
intercourse with them? If so, it is sexual assault.

It doesn’t matter if an individual thinks their partner means yes, or if the two have already
started having sex – any version of “No” also means “Stop.” If one individual proceeds
despite their partner’s expressed instruction to stop, they have not only violated the
body and free will of the other person, but may have also committed a serious crime.
Also, if an individual has sexual relations with someone who has been drinking, they run
11
the risk of committing a sexual assault.
Common Questions
I didn’t physically resist – does that mean it wasn’t rape?
People respond to an assault in many different ways. Just because you didn’t resist physically
doesn’t mean it wasn’t rape – in fact, many victims experience the survival instinct to “freeze”
and do not physically resist due to fear that their attacker might become more violent. Lack of
consent can be expressed (saying “no”) or can be implied through non-verbal cues and
reactions by the non-consenting person.

I used to date the person who assaulted me – does that mean it isn’t rape?
Sexual assault can occur when the offender and the victim have a pre-existing relationship
and even when the offender is the victim’s spouse. It does not matter whether the other
person is an ex-boyfriend or a complete stranger, and it also doesn’t matter if you ever had
sex in the past. If it is nonconsensual this time, it is rape.

I was drunk or the other person was drunk – does that mean it isn’t rape?
Alcohol and drugs are not an excuse. The key question is still: did you consent or not?
Regardless of whether you were drunk or sober, if the sex is nonconsensual, it is rape.
However, because each country has different definitions of “nonconsensual,” please contact
your PCMO or SSM if you have questions about your specific host country definitions and
laws. Peace Corps believes that if you were so intoxicated or drugged that you passed out
and/or were unable to consent, it was rape. Both people must be conscious and willing
participants.

I thought “no,” but didn’t say it – is it still rape?

It depends on the circumstances. If you didn’t say no because you were legitimately scared
for your life or safety, then it may be a sexual assault. In some cases it may be unsafe to
resist, physically or verbally — for example, when someone has a knife or gun to your head,
or threatens you, a fellow PCV or community member if you say anything.

I became sexually aroused even though I did not consent – is it still rape?
Sexual arousal and/or orgasm during rape is extremely common, yet rarely talked about. It is
biological. Sexual arousal works from the same autonomic, reflex-driven system associated
with heart rate, digestion, and perspiration. Sexual organs do not think, they are designed to
respond to stimulation. Sexual arousal or orgasm during rape does not mean it felt good. It
does not mean you enjoyed it. It does not mean you asked for it. It does not mean you
consented. Becoming sexually aroused does not mean consent.

My Thoughts:

12
*Adapted from Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)
Impact of Sexual Assault
Directions: Take a few moments to reflect on the possible impacts sexual
assault can have on Volunteers. Write down your ideas in the chart below
according to the type of impact.

Host Community Work/Project

Peace Corps Friends/Family Peace Corps Service

USA Friends/Family Intimacy

If my fellow Peace Corps Volunteer is sexually assaulted, I can support them by:

If I were sexually assaulted, I would want my fellow Peace Corps Volunteer to support
me by:

13
Sex Signals
Directions: From the exercise completed write down any sex signals you
found to be surprising or concerning:

Sex signals an individual Sex signals an individual

would give: looks for:
PCV Male
PCV Female
HCN Male
HCN Female

Local sex signals that have surprised me the most are:

Based on the sex signals that we learned about, behaviors or actions typically
acceptable for Americans that I might need to modify while living here are:
14
Cross Cultural Dating
How is dating in the states different than in my country of service?
How might dating a fellow PCV, host country
national, or a fellow expat shape my Peace
Corps experience?
How is dating different in rural villages or
towns compared to urban cities?
From a cultural perspective, can
boundaries be set before intimate relations?
I met my wife (girlfriend at the time)
about one month into my service. She
was friends with my host-mother and
would come by our home frequently to
visit. I was interested in her right away
but given some of the cultural
differences in dating, I had a hard time
at first figuring out if she was interested
as well. Women in my village were
very indirect and conservative and she
definitely masked any interest she had
in me. We eventually went on a date,
me, her, her sister, and about three
nephews. I never would have guessed
that dating was going to be such a
“family affair” but at times I felt like I
was dating her whole family. I was
expected to eat dinner with her family
every night and I was questioned on
more than one occasion about what my
intentions were. She was always very
concerned about being caught alone
with me and how her family or
community might react. She was very
good at setting boundaries about our
physical relationship and as a result I
didn’t have to set any myself.
15
Sexual Assault Awareness
Characteristics of assaults:
 Sexual predators often plan sexual assaults.
 Sexual predators often watch for vulnerabilities and opportunities.
 Sexual predators often test the boundaries of potential victims.

Tactics used by sexual predators:

 Attempt to isolate their potential victim
 Persuasion and confidence
 Pressure and guilt
 Threats and intimidation
 Force and violence
 Drugs, including alcohol
Similarities of sexual assault in
Peace Corps and worldwide include:
 The majority of assailants know the victim.
 Nearly all assaults occur when the victim
is isolated.
 Most occur at night.
He seemed like a decent enough guy,
but you never know. He hadn’t
earned our trust. There were a few
red flags, so I could not passively let
my fellow PCV leave with him under
the circumstances. I encouraged her
to come back to the hostel with us
that night and to exchange numbers
with him if she really did like him –
that way she could call him with a
clear mind. The next morning, she
thanked me repeatedly for watching
out for her.

Country specific characteristics and tactics of sexual predators:

Of all the sexual predator tactics discussed, I want to be particularly aware of:

Being sexually assaulted as a PCV is different from being sexually assaulted outside of the Peace
Corps because:

16
Peace Corps Mythbusters:
Assumptions and Facts
1. Assumption: Everyone and their neighbor’s goat will find out about what happened.

Fact: All Peace Corps staff have been trained to protect your information and any Peace
Corps staff who improperly disclose the identity of a Volunteer or other information
regarding a sexual assault may be subject to disciplinary action.

2. Assumption: The incident occurred at my site; therefore, I’ll get an automatic site
change.

Fact: You will be part of the discussions about your continued service at your site, in
country, or in the Peace Corps. No decision will be made without your input and your
participation. Keep in mind that one of the biggest factors to be considered will be your
personal safety. The Peace Corps will help you evaluate your options.

3. Assumption: The culture here is different, so Peace Corps staff will blame me for
what happened.

Fact: The Peace Corps goes to great lengths to train all staff in understanding and
responding to sexual assault. Designated staff at post, which include Safety and Security
Managers, Peace Corps Medical Officers, and Sexual Assault Response Liaisons are
specially trained to respond to reports of sexual assault with compassion and
professionalism.

4. Assumption: I was breaking a policy when the sexual assault occurred; therefore,
staff will send me back to the U.S. as soon as possible.

Fact: The Peace Corps honors an Immunity Policy, which is a way for the Peace Corps to
encourage Volunteers to report sexual assault and then to ensure a compassionate and
supportive response by the agency. Victims—and witnesses who didn’t help commit the
sexual assault—need not fear any administrative consequences for reporting a sexual
assault regardless of the circumstances or whether they were violating a Peace Corps
policy when the incident occurred. It is important to note; however, that the Immunity
Policy does not grant immunity for any criminal or civil liability for violations of law.

5. Assumption: The process of reporting is difficult and time consuming.

Fact: You will not be alone in this. If you are interested in reporting to the police, we have
specially trained staff that will explain the process involved in filing a police report and how
the investigation and prosecution will be conducted. The Peace Corps can also hire an
attorney to assist you with your legal options. The Peace Corps will be with you every step
of the way. Sometimes the investigative and judicial process may take a very long time
and will most likely be very different from the systems and procedures you may be familiar
with in the United States. But even if you leave the country, the Peace Corps will continue
to work with the police and prosecutors, and will keep you informed about your 17
case.
 6. Assumption: If I report, the assailant will become potentially dangerous to me.

Fact: When you report any crime or incident, it is extremely important to assess your
safety and security. Staff at post, particularly your Safety and Security Manager, can help
you create a safety plan that addresses safety concerns by creating solutions, contacts,
and plans of action that will help keep you safe in the event of an emergency or encounter
with an assailant.

7. Assumption: Peace Corps didn’t respond the way I expected last time I brought up an
issue, so I doubt they would this time around.

Fact: If you experience this problem, there is something you can do. Volunteers who feel
their incident was neglected can report their concerns to the Office of the Inspector
General. Contact information for the OIG can be found at the end of this workbook.

8. Assumption: I was sexually assaulted by a Volunteer – I don’t want to press charges

in my country of service and Peace Corps can’t do anything about what happened,
so I might as well not report.

Fact: This is untrue. Volunteers can pursue an internal Peace Corps administrative
process through the Volunteer/Trainee Sexual Misconduct Policy. Initiating this process
asks the Peace Corps to address instances of sexual misconduct by other Volunteers
separate from any criminal investigation or proceeding. The process allows Volunteers the
opportunity to present a case for sexual misconduct before a hearing panel of Peace
Corps officials who will assess the case and determine whether disciplinary action is
necessary to penalize the offender.

9. Assumption: If I choose to leave service after being assaulted, I automatically have

to early terminate (E.T.).

Fact: In many cases when a Volunteer is the victim of a crime, Interrupted Service is an
option, which indicates that a Volunteer leaves service due to circumstances beyond their
control. Additionally, if you are a victim of sexual assault, you are also entitled to a medical
evacuation (45 days) to a regional hub; Washington, D.C.; or your home of record.
Medevacs allow for Volunteers to return to service at the end of the 45 day period.

My Thoughts:

18
Peace Corps Commitment to
Sexual Assault Victims
Continuation of
Service
We will work closely with you
to make decisions regarding
your continued service.
Compassion
We will treat you with dignity
and respect. No one
deserves to be a victim of a
sexual assault.
Safety
We will take appropriate
steps to provide for your
ongoing safety.

Legal Support
We will help you understand the We will provide you with the
relevant legal processes and support you need to aid in
your legal options. your recovery.

Privacy Open Communication

We will respect your privacy and will not, We will keep you informed of the
without your consent, disclose your progress of your case, should
identity or share the details of the incident you choose to pursue
with anyone who does not have a prosecution.
legitimate need to know.

Sexual Harassment
Sexual Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and
other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates
Harassment an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

Physical Brushed up
Comments about
Looks Jokes intrusion into Grabbing against in a
body parts
personal space sexual way

The actions you may think are within tolerable ranges of acceptability may be offensive to others.
People have different thresholds of tolerance for many of these behaviors. The bottom line is that
‘unwelcomed’ is determined by the recipient, not the person displaying the offensive
conduct.
If you feel you are being sexually harassed, reporting it will help to ensure that you get the help
and support you deserve.

Cases of sexual harassment committed by a PCV or Peace Corps Staff member 19

against a PCV can be reported to the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity (OCRD)
Contact information can be found in Appendix D.
Reporting & Response
Peace Corps is dedicated to supporting all victims of crime. Peace Corps
staff provides support in a manner that are guided by the choices of the Volunteer,
responding without judgment to reasonable requests for information and
assistance.
Get to a safe
place

Medical
All victims of sexual assault are entitled to a medical
examination with the PCMO present. In some cases, forensic
exams may be helpful and required to document and collect Call PCMO/ Duty
evidence. The exams are referred to as a Sexual Assault Officer
Forensic Examination or SAFE.

Investigative and Legal Process

If there are
• Typically begins with a complaint to local authorities; serious injuries,
• Police may take statements, collect evidence, attempt to seek immediate
establish identity of the offender, develop working theory; treatment
• Police will arrest suspect, conduct identification of suspect;
• Police will present evidence and investigative report to
Prosecutor;
• Prosecutor will review evidence and charge suspect if
possible. Do not go to the
local police
alone
How does someone file a complaint at my post?

Protect physical
If I report to police, what should I expect? evidence

Other information that I need to know about the reporting Tell someone
process specifically related to my country of service:

20
Confidentiality within the
Peace Corps
The protection of a Volunteer's identity, identifying information, and
the details surrounding a crime, including sexual assaults,
is of the utmost priority to Peace Corps.

The Role of the PCV

Confidentiality is a term that refers to preserving the privacy of someone else. As a Peace Corps
family member who cares about the well being of others, we all play a role in protecting and
respecting sensitive information related to crimes against our fellow Volunteers.

If I become aware of a crime committed

against a fellow PCV, how might posting
information on a social media platform,
such as a blog or Facebook, impact the
Volunteer, their host community, or their
friends and family?
If I become the victim of a crime, who would I
trust with sensitive information?
After the sexual assault, I needed the
support of a fellow PCV and shared a
little about what I was going through.
I didn’t go into detail but I did need
someone to affirm that what had
happened was wrong. I had no idea
that because I was seeking legal
justice that the defense lawyer would
contact that individual four months
later to fish for information to use
against me in a court of law. Had I
known that anything that I said
verbally or in an email would be fair
game for court, I would have been
more cautious and spoken to a
counselor through secure
communication earlier.

What is my role in protecting information

regarding the crime?

Peace Corps staff are held to high expectations in regards to confidentiality–

if you believe your information is being mishandled,
21
please call the Office of Inspector General (OIG).
Contact information can be found in Appendix D.
Networking for Knowledge
Directions: Work with a partner to match the descriptions with
one of the terms listed below.
c) Exceptions to
a) Eight b) Restricted Reporting
Restricted Reporting

d) Standard Reporting e) Confidentiality f) Designated Staff

g) SARL h) Sexual Misconduct Policy i) Immunity Policy

1. This is the reporting option that all reports of sexual assault will be handled under until a
Volunteer chooses their reporting option or an exception applies. This reporting option
allows for sharing of information about the sexual assault only amongst the Designated Staff.

Answer: ___________________________________________________________________

2. These are the conditions when a Restricted Report would convert to a Standard Report

Answer: ___________________________________________________________________

Bonus points: List as many as you can (7 possible)

3. These are the staff members at Post and PC Headquarters who are specially trained to
respond to sexual assaults.

At Post, they are: Peace Corps Medical Officers (PCMOs); Safety and Security Managers
(SSMs); and Sexual Assault Response Liaisons (SARLs), if requested by the Volunteer.

At HQ, they are the Victim Advocate in the Office of Victim Advocacy assigned to the case
and the Assigned Security Specialist.

22
Answer: ___________________________________________________________________
4. Each Post has two of these on staff. They receive comprehensive training about sexual
assault, its impact on victims, effective and compassionate response to victims, and
confidentiality and privacy. The services of this staff member are available at the request of
the Volunteer.

Answer: ___________________________________________________________________

Bonus points: List as many of their responsibilities as you can (3 possible)

5. The protection of ___________, a Volunteer's identity and the details surrounding a sexual
assault are of the utmost priority to Peace Corps.

Answer: ___________________________________________________________________

6. This is the number of services available for Volunteers who are victims of sexual assault.

Answer: ___________________________________________________________________

Bonus points: List as many as you can.

7. Under this policy, Volunteers can pursue an internal Peace Corps administrative process to
address instances of sexual misconduct by other Volunteers separate from any criminal
investigation or proceeding.

This policy only applies to complaints of sexual misconduct by Volunteers or Trainees

against other Volunteers or Trainees.

Answer: ___________________________________________________________________

Bonus point: What type of report needs to be made under this policy? 23
8. This is one of the reporting options Volunteers have for reporting sexual assault to Peace
Corps. This reporting option allows sharing of information about the assault with Designated
Staff and other staff with a specific need to know to provide services, provides the option to
initiate an official investigation or seek criminal prosecution of the offender; provides the
ability to request a site or host family change; and shares information about the assault with
the Country Director.

Answer: ___________________________________________________________________

9. This policy states that Volunteers who are sexually assaulted, and any witnesses to the
sexual assault, will not be punished for breaking Peace Corps or post regulations.

Answer: ___________________________________________________________________

Bonus points: What is the purpose of this policy? (3 points)

Sexual Assault Reporting and Response Notes:

Questions to follow up on:

What surprised me:

One piece of knowledge I gained:

24
Eight Services for
Sexual Assault Victims
• Peace Corps staff will explain your options to make either a Restricted Report or a
1. Standard Report.

• Peace Corps staff will provide you with emergency health care, including prophylaxis
2. for HIV, pregnancy and STI’s.

• Peace Corps staff will explain what services are provided by a Sexual Assault
3. Response Liaison and by a Victim Advocate from Headquarters.

• Peace Corps staff will provide you with the option to have a sexual assault forensic
4. exam in accordance with host country law and help you understand that process.

• Peace Corps staff will provide you with mental health care.
5.

• Peace Corps staff will develop a safety plan and a medical treatment plan with you.
6.

• Peace Corps staff will offer you a medical evacuation to a regional hub; Washington,
7. D.C.; or your home of record and accompaniment by a staff member.

• Peace Corps staff will explain your options for reporting the incident to law enforcement
8. and prosecutorial options.

In-Country Designated Staff for

Responding to Sexual Assault
SSM
• Provides legal and
security assistance to a
Volunteer.
PCMO SARL
• Provides medical and • Accompanies a Volunteer
mental health support to while they receive the
Volunteers. support they deserve.

Name: Name: Name:

Number: Number: Number:

Email: Email: Email:

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Bystander Intervention
BYSTANDER Safely interrupting a situation in which others may be at risk for

INTERVENTION
becoming the victim of verbal harassment, sexual or physical
violence.

“Thirty-Eight Who Saw…”

In1964, a young woman named Kitty Genovese was brutally raped and
murdered while 38 people reportedly did nothing to step in to help her. There
has been lots of controversy surrounding the truth to this story, which was
originally published by the New York Times. What is known is that the story
sparked wide scale interest and research into the social-
psychological occurrence in which individuals do not offer help to someone in
danger when other people are present – the bystander phenomenon.

Other people are

present so I do not Someone else is
need to intervene… more qualified so I
do not need to
intervene…

I will be
embarrassed
if my skills are It is their
lacking or if problem,
my help is therefore it is
rejected… not my
responsibility…

I would be willing to intervene to help another
Volunteer when/if:
#1 Rule:
Your safety is
your FIRST priority.
Bystander intervention is a tool to be
used with Volunteers. If you see a
situation between locals that needs
intervention, contact your SSM for
guidance on how to proceed.

26
Bystander Intervention Strategies
Verbal Non-Verbal
Potential Victim
Potential Offender

Language Box
Local phrases to use when intervening for fellow PCVs

27
Bridge to Site
When it comes to my safety and security, I know the following about:
1. My environment…

2. How others perceive me…

3. My habits…

4. My strengths and weaknesses…

My transportation options to ____________________ are:

1.
2.
3.

If my ride ends unexpectedly/breaks down mid-trip I can always:

1.
2.
3.

I can reduce my risk of theft in public places by:

If I was a burglar looking at my home, I would think the following were the most
vulnerable areas:

Ways I can address those vulnerabilities:

What are my assets to reduce my risk of being a victim of robbery (examples could include
local friends, language ability, my physical presence)?

Ways I can build upon my assets:

28
Final Safety and Security
Terminal Learning Objective Assessment
Directions: Peace Corps staff will read a scenario to you in sections. After each
section of the scenario, you will answer the questions for that section based on what
you heard.
Section 1

1. Use the personal boundaries you established during the Unwanted Attention training session.
If you were Mike what would you do? (choose the 1 answer that best matches your personal
boundaries)
a) I would use my local language skills to say something to the men
b) I would let Annabelle and Elena decide how to handle this
c) I would use my local language skills to say something to the men even if Annabelle and Elena
ignored them
d) This situation does not violate my personal boundaries, so I would ignore the men

Section 2

2. Based on what you learned in the sex signals activity and gender relations training, what is
culturally inappropriate for your host country culture in this situation? (choose all that apply)
a) Women going out at night
b) Women drinking in public
c) This is all OK in my host country culture
d) Women unaccompanied by a male family member or friend
e) Other: _____________________________________________________

Section 3

3. Based on the information you have so far, which of the following risks is the greatest for these
PCVs? (choose only 1)
a) A group of men who may have been drinking for some time
b) It is late at night
c) Leaving cell phones and bags unattended at the table
d) Resort environment
e) The PCVs are out of their site where people might think they are tourists

4. Assess the PCVs options for how to handle this crime risk. Which of the following options will
best reduce their risk for theft? (choose only 1)
a) One person stays at the table to watch the bags and cell phones
b) Leave the bags and cell phones on the table but keep checking on them
c) Ask someone in the disco to watch the bags and cell phones
d) Leave the disco and go somewhere less crowded 29
Section 4

5. What potential risks are described in the situation you heard? (choose all that apply)
a) The two men buying beers for Elena
b) No risks in this situation
c) Elena looks like she is alone

6. Assess Annabelle’s options; Which of the following actions are the best for reducing
Elena’s risk? (choose all that apply)
a) Go sit with Elena and the men, and determine if Elena needs help
b) Leave Elena alone, she can fend for herself
c) Ask Elena to dance

Section 5

7. Up to this point, what tactics have the men used to make Elena a suitable target for crime?
(choose all that apply)
a) Attempting to isolate Elena by taking her outside
b) Using force or violence with Elena
c) Buying Elena beers to incapacitate her
d) No tactics used

8. What are the potential risks for Elena in this situation? (choose all that apply)
a) Offending the local men
b) Elena could be robbed
c) Elena could be sexually assaulted
d) No risks in this situation

9. Assess Annabelle’s options at this point; Which of the following actions will reduce Elena’s
risk? (choose all that apply)
a) Leave Elena alone, she can fend for herself
b) Tell the men they can learn about America better from three people and go get Mike
c) Ask Mike to start a fight with the two men
d) Ask Elena to go with you to the bathroom and hope the men leave while you are in the
bathroom

Section 6

10. What is the best option for the PCVs at this point to help defuse the situation?
(choose only 1)

a) Leave the disco immediately

b) Call the disco’s security guard
c) Yell back at the local men
d) There is no way to defuse this situation

30
Host Community
Interview Form
Directions: Once you are placed at site, here are some suggested questions
you could ask a trusted host community member on safety and security topics.

Personal Security and Risk Reduction

How do you and others in the community reduce the risk of being a victim of crime?

Impact of Unwanted Attention

What are culturally appropriate ways I can respond to unwanted attention?

Sexual Assault Awareness and Impact

Are there people, places or other factors in the community I should be aware of in order to
reduce the risk of sexual assault?

Bystander Intervention
What are culturally appropriate ways to intervene when a fellow PCV is in need? Verbal? Other
ways?

31
Office of Inspector General
About OIG
The Office of Inspector General (OIG)
provides the Peace Corps with independent
oversight of all agency programs and
operations. OIG conducts audits, evaluations,
and investigations of wrongdoing, violations of
laws and policy, and provides management
with recommendations to improve the
effectiveness and efficiency of the agency.
What should I report?
Reporting to OIG
Should you or another Volunteer be harmed by
misconduct or criminal wrongdoing, our law
enforcement officers have unique authorities to
help you seek a fair resolution and, in appropriate
cases, to seek prosecution in the United States or
host country. You can report information
confidentially through any of the methods listed
below for our Hotline. You can also report
information anonymously using the Online
Reporting Tool.

• Theft/misuse of PC resources and grants

OIG Hotline
• Corrupt or unethical actions by PC officials
Online Reporting Tool:
• Sexual or other physical assaults
www.peacecorps.gov/contactOIG
• Violations of policy or host country/U.S. law
Phone: 202.692.2915
• Breaches of PC confidentiality policy
Fax: 202.692.2901
• Illegal drug sales, distribution, or smuggling
E-mail: oig@peacecorps.gov
• Romantic relationships between staff and
Volunteers; or between Volunteers and General Information
persons, including students, over whom Website: peacecorps.gov/OIG
Volunteers exercise authority Phone: 202.692.2900
• Sexual contact with minors (under 18) Twitter: @pcoig

Office of Civil Rights and

Diversity
It is the mission of the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity (OCRD) to provide leadership and
guidance on all civil rights, equal employment opportunity (EEO) and diversity matters; and to
address issues of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment, in the
recruitment/employment of staff and in the recruitment/service of Volunteers/Trainees. OCRD
encourages management, employees, and Volunteers to value diversity in order to build and
maintain a culture that values inclusion of all employees and Volunteers.

What if I suspect discrimination? Office Of Civil Rights

• Contact OCRD to discuss your options and Diversity
• Employees have 45 days from the date of the Phone: (202) 692-2139
alleged discrimination to file an EEO complaint E-mail: ocrd@peacecorps.gov
(Volunteers have 60 days)
• EEO counselor will be assigned to facilitate the
process
• Process will be thoroughly explained to you
• Mediation is usually an option

32
Office of Health Services
At the Peace Corps we believe in creating a
culture that embraces quality health care,
patient safety, and service satisfaction. To Office of Health Services
ensure the Office of Health Services E-mail: qualitynurse@peacecorps.gov
continues to provide quality care, Volunteers
are encouraged to contact the Office of
Health Services with any concerns.

Counseling and Outreach Unit

Mission Objectives
To support the emotional resiliency and well- To assist Volunteers and Posts in the
being of Volunteers. management of Volunteer emotional and
adjustment challenges.

Actions
• Phone consultations are available for
Volunteers who have questions about Counseling and Outreach
mental health services. Unit
• Therapy by phone is available and in Duty Phone: (202) 692-1470
country counseling may be available for E-mail: cou@peaccorps.gov
emotional support.
• Clinical counseling is provided for all
medically evacuated Volunteers.

Post Service Unit

The Post Service Unit manages all health benefits for returned Volunteers.

Core Functions
• Facilitate Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) access to evaluation of unresolved medical
conditions within six months of Close of Service (COS).
• Assist returned Volunteers in submitting federal workers compensation, also known as FECA,
claims to the Department of Labor.
• Act as liaison between the Peace Corps and the Department of Labor on the eligibility of former
Volunteers for FECA benefits.
• Provide claims coordination between After Corps and FECA for RPCVs.
• Contact RPCVs to ensure necessary follow-up of findings on COS exams.
• Provide feedback to PCMOs on the COS process.
• Assist victims of crimes access available resources after COS such as counseling and FECA for
follow up medical care.

Post Service Unit

Phone: (202) 692-1540, Opt. 7
Fax: (202) 692-1541
E-mail: psu@peaccorps.gov 33
Office of Victim Advocacy
The Peace Corps is committed to providing a compassionate, effective, and coordinated response to all
Volunteers who are affected by crime. The Victim Advocate serves as a liaison between, and advisor to,
the various offices within the Peace Corps involved in providing response and support services to
Volunteers who have been victims of sexual assault and violent crime.

Guiding Principles: Objectives:

• The Victim Advocate provides services in a
manner that are guided by the choices of the
Volunteer, responding without judgment to
reasonable requests for information and
assistance.
• The Victim Advocate respects the confidentiality
and privacy of Volunteers.
• The Victim Advocate ensures that the Peace
Corps maintains a victim-centered approach as
outlined in the agency’s Commitment to Sexual • To develop professional relationships with
Assault Victims.
Office of Victim Advocacy
Office Phone: (202) 692-1753
Duty Phone: (202) 409-2701
E-mail: victimadvocate@peacecorps.gov
• To be a centralized resource to Volunteers who
are victims of sexual assault and violent crime
regarding the services they are entitled to
receive, and ensuring their voices are heard and
considered in all decisions affecting their service
and care.
• To work with the different response and support
offices within the Peace Corps to ensure the
Agency is providing a holistic response.
outside organizations, agencies, and experts in
the field of victim advocacy to ensure the Peace
Corps is implementing best practices.

In-Country Contact Information

Are you in immediate danger?

Call your SSM @ __________________________

Call your Duty Officer @ ____________________

Are you in need of medical care?

Call your PCMO @ ________________________

Want someone to accompany you through the in-country sexual assault

response process?

Call your SARL @__________________________

34
United States Peace Corps
Office of Safety and Security
1111 20th Street, NW, First Floor
Washington, DC 20526

Questions/Comments?
Email: ssevaluation@peacecorps.gov

35