Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program

We strive to have a Volunteer-centered approach to Volunteers' safety and well-being every step of the way.

Commitment to sexual assault victim/survivors

The Peace Corps endeavors to reduce the risk of sexual assault and counter the experience of sexual assault with a compassionate, victim-centered, and trauma-informed response.

The Peace Corps’ Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program [PDF] (SAPR) 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 Peace Corps offices:

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

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 staff trained to directly assist Volunteers who are victims/survivors of sexual assault throughout the in-country response process.

Anonymous hotline

The Peace Corps provides an around-the-clock, anonymous sexual assault hotline staffed by external crisis counselors. The hotline is accessible to Volunteers by phone, text, or online chat. The hotline provides immediate assistance to Volunteers in crisis.

• Visit: 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 “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 option 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. All allegations are given serious consideration, including referring the appropriate allegations to the Office of the Inspector General. Peace Corps staff members must take appropriate measures to ensure Volunteers’ safety and confidentiality. Retaliation of any kind against Volunteers is expressly forbidden.

Outside expertise

The Peace Corps works with external subject-matter experts and former Volunteers to incorporate promising practices into the agency’s policies and procedures.