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.

Highly trained victim advocates are available 24/7

The Office of Victim Advocacy (OVA) is a resource to current and Returned Volunteers who have been victims of crime, including sexual assault, intimate partner violence and stalking. OVA works to ensure Volunteers have access to the full range of support services provided by the Peace Corps, even after end of service.

What to know about OVA

• Highly trained victim advocates are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to Volunteers who experienced a crime during their service, as well as their friends and loved ones who are looking for ways to support them.
• Contact a victim advocate at any time: call/text 202.409.2704 or email [email protected].
• OVA is committed to ensuring that all current and Returned Volunteers who report a crime are treated with compassion, dignity, and respect throughout the reporting process.
• Peace Corps victim advocates will stand with you through the process, respecting your confidentiality and privacy, and supporting you as you consider your options.

Our services

• Information on available mental health, medical, and legal options.
• Accompaniment overseas to participate in investigative and legal proceedings.
• Assistance with safety planning.
• Connecting to resources for support services, both within the Peace Corps and from outside organizations.
• Resources and referrals for friends and family of RPCVs who experienced a crime during service.
• Updates throughout the investigative process, legal proceedings, and internal investigations.

Contact information

Victim advocates are available 24/7. If you need to speak to a victim advocate right away:

• Call or text 202.409.2704
• Email [email protected]

For general inquiries, email [email protected].

The PC Saves helpline provides anonymous, confidential crisis intervention, support, and information for Peace Corps Volunteers and Trainees who have been affected by sexual assault at PCsaveshelpline.org; or call from outside the U.S.: 001.408.844.HELP (4357); from within the U.S.: 408.844.HELP (4357).

For more information, see the Peace Corps’ Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program.