Safety

What kind of safety and security training will I receive?

Maintaining personal safety and security during service is our priority and a shared responsibility of the Peace Corps and Volunteers.

During pre-service training, you will learn what you can do to reduce risks in your home, in your workplace, and while traveling in country.

You will learn to identify and mitigate safety risks, as well as about the support the Peace Corps provides in the event you become the victim of a crime.

Safety and security training consists of global core sessions on:

• Personal security and risk reduction
• Dealing with unwanted attention
• Sexual assault awareness
• Reporting and response
• Bystander intervention

Country-specific sessions on topics such as:

• Home safety
• Emergency action planning
• Transportation safety
• Gender and interpersonal relationships
• Incident reporting and response
• Peace Corps policies and legal context

Is serving in the Peace Corps safe?

Volunteer service entails risk. Because the Peace Corps can’t eliminate all risk there are systems and programs designed to help Volunteers manage their risk and support Volunteers throughout service. The Peace Corps is committed to providing Volunteers with the best training, guidance, support, and information they need to remain healthy, safe, and productive throughout their service. To learn more about Volunteer safety and security, visit Safety and Security in the Peace Corps.

How do Volunteers maintain their safety during service?

The Peace Corps has a broad and systematic approach to assist Volunteers in maintaining their safety during service. Volunteers serve worldwide, sometimes in very remote areas that may lack the type of services and amenities that they may be accustomed to in the United States.  Additionally, Volunteers operate in a language and culture that is different from their own. As a result, there is some level of risk that is an inherent part of Volunteer service. Because of this, Volunteers are provided with extensive training to help them reduce health and safety risks as much as possible., they are supported with language and cultural integration training to help them integrate into their host community and their communities also play a vital role in helping them stay safe. The Peace Corps also has systems and policies in place to help reduce the risk that Volunteers will face, such as a rigorous site selection process, staff training and ongoing monitoring of the security environment.

Volunteers and their family members can contact the Peace Corps 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergencies. Each Peace Corps country has a specific emergency action plan, and Volunteers are thoroughly trained in their roles and responsibilities in case of a natural disaster, political conflict, or other disruption to normal life in their host country.

To learn more about Volunteer safety and security, visit Safety and Security in the Peace Corps.

I'm worried about my safety overseas. How can I find out more about risks and crime in countries where Volunteers serve?

The Peace Corps takes Volunteer safety and security very seriously. Every Volunteer receives extensive training to reduce risks as much as possible. More information about the Peace Corps’ approach to safety can be found on the Health & Safety section of our website and in the Peace Corps' Annual Statistical Report of Crimes Against Volunteers. You may also review country-specific sections on preparing to volunteer.

What if my host country has frequent hurricanes or is at risk of other natural disasters?

Some Volunteers may serve in areas susceptible to natural disasters, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanoes. The Peace Corps, along with its local partners, closely monitor the safety and security environment and have emergency response protocols designed to respond to these events when they occur. Additionally, Volunteers and staff are trained on their roles and responsibilities during an emergency and will be expected to participate in practice drills and exercises during service. To learn more about Volunteer safety and security, visit Safety and Security in the Peace Corps.

What if a war or unrest breaks out in my host country?

Some Volunteers may serve in areas susceptible to civil and political unrest. The Peace Corps, along with its local partners, closely monitor the safety and security environment and have emergency response protocols designed to respond to these events when they occur. Additionally, Volunteers and staff are trained on their roles and responsibilities during an emergency and will be expected to participate in practice drills and exercises during service. To learn more about Volunteer safety and security, visit Safety and Security in the Peace Corps.

What if I was a victim of a sexual assault, stalking, or other crime? What are my options?

If you are a victim of crime, first, make sure you are safe and not in immediate danger. As soon as you are safe, contact the Peace Corps medical officer (PCMO) or safety and security manager (SSM).  Peace Corps has a victim-centered approach to responding to crimes designed to support victims in a compassionate and confidential manner. The PCMO and SSM will work with you on understanding the medical and other support options that are available. For anonymous crisis information for victims of sexual assault, victims can contact the PC Saves hotline at pcsaveshelpline.org (online chat or call-back); for calls outside the U.S., dial 001.408.844-HELP(4357); for calls in the U.S., dial 408-844-HELP(4357).