The Peace Corps’ Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program [PDF] was launched in 2013, reflecting years of intense focus on improving support for Peace Corps Volunteers agency-wide. The SAPR program endeavors to reduce the risk of sexual assault and counter the experience of sexual assault with a compassionate, victim-centered, trauma-informed response to support the Volunteer’s well-being. Led by the Director of the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, the SAPR Program is an interdisciplinary collaboration among several offices: 

• Office of Victim Advocacy
• Office of Safety & Security
• Office of Health Services
• Office of Global Operations
• Office of the General Counsel

Office of Victim Advocacy

Volunteers who are the victim of a crime have access to professional victim advocates 24 hours a day at 202.409.2704 or [email protected].

Extensive training

The Peace Corps provides sexual assault prevention and response training to both Volunteers and staff. Volunteers worldwide learn prevention strategies such as bystander intervention training, and each post has two sexual assault response liaisons trained to directly assist Volunteers who are victims of sexual assault throughout the in-country response process.

Anonymous hotline

The Peace Corps provides an around the clock, anonymous sexual assault hotline accessible to Volunteers by phone, text, or online chat that is staffed by external crisis counselors at pcsaveshelpline.org.

• Call from outside the U.S.: 001.408.844.HELP (4357)
• From within the U.S.: 408.844.HELP (4357)

Reporting options

Volunteers who experience sexual assault have the option to report the incident as restricted or a standard. 

Restricted reporting limits the number of staff members with access to information about an assault to only those involved in providing support services requested by the Volunteer. This gives Volunteers access to critical support services while protecting their privacy and confidentiality, and allows the Peace Corps to provide support services to Volunteers who otherwise may not seek support. 

Standard reporting provides Volunteers with the same support services along with the opportunity to initiate an official investigation, while maintaining confidentiality. 

Whistleblower protection

All staff are trained on how to respond appropriately when Volunteers bring allegations of wrongdoing to their attention. Peace Corps staff members must take appropriate measures to ensure Volunteers’ safety and confidentiality, and ensure all allegations are given serious consideration, including referral to the Office of the Inspector General as appropriate. Retaliation of any kind against Volunteers is expressly forbidden. 

Outside expertise

The independent Peace Corps Sexual Assault Advisory Council is comprised of subject-matter experts and former Volunteers. The Council reviews Peace Corps policies and procedures to ensure they incorporate best practices and provides a thorough evaluation of the agency’s work. See Sexual Assault Advisory Council 2021 Report [PDF]. 

The Council was required to submit a formal report to Congress and the President through 2016.

Learn more about agency reforms.