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National Peace Corps Association > News > Advocacy > Peace Corps Hearing Will Lead to Legislation
Peace Corps Hearing Will Lead to Legislation
By Jonathan Pearson on Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) praised the women who testified on Wednesday. "Your testimony is going to make a big difference."
There were broad expressions of bi-partisanship at Wednesday’s hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee to examine the issue of physical and sexual assault against Peace Corps volunteers.
There was general praise for the mission of the Peace Corps and the work of Peace Corps Volunteers. “They are American angels abroad who represent everything that is good and right about our country,” said Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX). “No agency with such a modest budget has done more to extend its work around the world,” added Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA).”
At the same time, there was deep concern over testimonies of violence against volunteers and numerous instances of inadequate response from agency staff. “I have never been so incensed and enraged by the actions of an agency,” stated Congresswoman Jean Schmidt (R-OH). Gerald Connolly (D-VA) said “What troubles me most was there was a lack of sensitivity and compassion.”
And – there were universal expressions of thanks and praise for the courage of witnesses who began the hearing with their testimony.
- Read the written testimony submitted by all witnesses at Wednesday’s hearing.
- Watch video on C-Span of the 3-hour hearing
- Visit NPCA’s Volunteer Safety and Security page for further background
Survivor Testimony
“I thought I was alone in my experience,” said Carol Clark, a Nepal volunteer in the mid-1980′s who testified about being raped by her Nepali Program Director. Carol said at the time, she was not offered counseling, was mistreated by medical personnel and was instructed to tell others that her departure from service was due to dysentery. She noted the Peace Corps has had almost thirty years to address these issues and has fallen short.
RPCV Carol Clark is surrounded by the media outside the hearing room following her testimony
“Help us build a better, stronger, safer Peace Corps so our daughters can build a better world.”
A similar account was shared by Dr. Karestan Chase Koenen, a rape survivor who served in Niger in 1991. Currently an Associate Professor at Columbia University who teaches about psychological trauma, Dr. Koenen said research shows that a lack of support and response following a sexual assault significantly increases the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder. Peace Corps has been updating their protocols to better address sexual assault. Koenen said “Though they have evolved, they remain dangerously inadequate.”
Jessica Smochek told the committee that after she had begged to be moved to a safer site, she was raped and beaten while serving in Bangladesh in 2004. “Rather than feeling safe and supported, I felt belittled and blamed.”
The survivors noted they continue to be big supporters of the Peace Corps, with Clark saying “I still believe in the ideals of the Peace Corps.” Several expressed gratitude for the response they have received from current Peace Corps leadership and hope that their testimony would not lead to weakening or any further reduction in funds for the agency. “I’d be devastated if my testimony were used to stop Peace Corps funding,”said Koenen.
All noted that legislation is needed to fully address the issue, in part because of the decades-long incidents of concern and also because of the regular turnover of political appointees and staff.
Director Williams Testimony
In his testimony, Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams outlined steps that have already been taken to address the issue, but pledged to work with Congress and survivors, acknowledging that “more needs to be done.” Williams expressed an openness to working with Congress on legislation, noting that the agency is already in conversation with the office of Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) on possible whistleblower legislation.
Director Williams also said Peace Corps would immediately replace a current training video entitled “Serving Safely.” Survivors objected to the video saying it includes interviews women who were assaulted, but noted that all of the incidents involved alcohol, with the women speaking apologetically about their own actions. “Blaming the victim will not continue in today’s Peace Corps.” He also stated that the agency has been developing a more comprehensive sexual assault training program that will be ready for use in the field this summer.
People lined up early for the hearing, which lasted nearly three hours.
Along with praising survivors for their courage and commitment, Director Williams also praised the work of the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) “RAINN has provided a roadmap” for moving forward, and Williams pledged that Peace Corps would provide “compassionate victim-centered support.”
When asked by Congressman Donald Payne (D-NJ) how the recent $26 million reduction in Peace Corps’ current funding would affect its response, Director Williams said the agency “is not going to compromise on the health, safety and security of volunteers,” adding that the cuts may force Peace Corps to not expand into new countries or have as many volunteers in existing locations. When asked by Congresswoman Anne Marie Buerkle (R-NY) whether past calls to greatly expand Peace Corps are prudent objectives given the hearing testimony, Williams stated his belief that the agency – with appropriate funding – could grow and manage its responsibilities. (Related: See the press release issued by Peace Corps today, May 11, here.)
Inspector General
Peace Corps Inspector General Kathy Buller was the final hearing witness. “While the agency has made strides, several problems remain.”
Buller noted that one of the most common safety and security issues identified during country of service audits is the need for host country staff to undergo background security investigations. Buller said 44% of the 63 countries audited since 2004 have not complied with that request, adding that since a 2009 revision included security checks for short term contractors, 11 of 15 countries had failed to meet this requirement.
When asked by Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) if during her three years as Inspector General, could she recall an incident in which Peace Corps has been pro-active in addressing a concern, Buller replied, “They are primarily reactive. I can’t think of a case off the top of my head where they have (been pro-active).”
Follow this link to read the written testimony submitted by all witnesses at Wednesday’s hearing.
I’m a current female PCV serving in Cameroon. I empathize with the victims and hope their testimony brings positive programmatic change and some form of justice to their suffering.
I would also like to say, in response to Inspector Buller’s last comment, that in Cameroon, in 2010-2011, the administration is extremely pro-active regarding rape and other forms of sexual harassment. There is extensive sensitization and training concerning the issue, emphasizing precautionary measures for volunteers to take, as well as a caring, knowledgeable supportive staff to assist if such a tragic incidence occurs. As a woman, I personally feel very confident that Peace Corps is taking the issue seriously and has already made huge strides.
I applaud both the women who are speaking out about their very painful experiences during their PC service, as well as the procedures and consciousness the Peace Corps is setting in motion in response to their valid confrontation.
I would like to add to the conversation by offering a quite different experience when I was severely attacked and beaten during my time in St. Lucia, ’96-’98. The PC director and staff responded to the situation immediately and were very present through the aftermath, kind, supportive and proactive for my subsequent safety (I chose to stay on and continue my work there), which included strong pressure on the police department to find and arrest the perpetrator. They also supported my request to get intense trauma-focused psychotherapy when I was in N.Y. mid-service, an expensive immersion PC headquarters
fully approved. During the many months of both physical and emotional recovery, the country PC staff regularly checked in with me about my well-being and safety, as did the very caring community I was working with. I felt lucky to have such a compassionate and attentive experience and wish that for all volunteers.
As a parent of a pending PCV, my wife and I have been closely monitoring the Peace Corps safety issues being reported in the news over the past year, and addressed in congress just today. As a career military member, currently serving on active duty, I have concerns with the Peace Corp’s safety protocols currently in place for volunteers. The most glaring shortfall is allowing PCVs to live and work alone during the majority of their service time. The old adage, “there is safety in numbers” certainly applies here. The military would never allow its members to go on a risky mission alone…without, at least one “Battle-Buddy”. Why does the PC even allow PCVs the option? Simply implementing this change of policy would greatly reduce and prevent assault cases, especially on young women.
I think its great that PC is improving how it responds to victims of rape and assault in country. I’m also glad to hear that the staff in Cameroon is proactively supportive and volunteers are provided training. But how about the administrative staff and in-country upper level managers such as CDs and APCs? Do they receive training on how to deal with these issues?
Has Peace Corps considered adding counselors to their medical staff in-country? I think volunteers are faced with so many challenges that staff and volunteers could benefit from having more medical professionals on staff.
Its great that Peace Corps is taking the steps to protect its volunteers, but even with precautionary measures, things happen, and its the staff’s responsibility to comfort and not to blame volunteers.
RPCV Cameroon 2003-2005
I think it imperative that the Peace Corps community support this legislation so that all Volunteers in all countries are afforded the kind of support that Marjorie Blair received. Absent such legal mandate, Volunteers will still be at the “mercy” of administration staff, incountry and in DC, who have not always been supportive.
When I served, women were assigned in pairs. We all had “site mates.” One of the women who testified about the rape was in a site with two other women, so that is not always an answer. I am an Army brat and when I joined, my mother wanted me to be able to retreat to a “fort” after night! I applaud the courage of the women who testified.
Joanne Roll
Colombia 63-65
Thank you Joanne for stating so well what the members of First Response Action and those of us who testified have as our goal. We want all Volunteers to have the same good support that Marjorie Blair had.
We want Peace Corps’ training to include not only prevention but also what the Volunteers rights’ and available support will be if the worst occurs. We want victims of crime to know that their confidentiality will be respected. We want Victims’ Advocates in each region to ensure timely response.
We believe that legislation is necessary due to the “five year rule” that limits Peace Corps staff from serving longer. Without the legislation, we can not ensure that changes made now will be lasting. We want current and future Volunteers to have response that promotes long-term recovery and healing.
We love the Peace Corps and still believe in its mission. Please help us make Peace Corps better and more appropriately responsive for current and future volunteers who serve in all countries.
For any new legislation to be effective, it would make most sense for someone or preferably a team of people to take the time to recognize and examine the countries in which the safety and security concerns of Peace Corps Volunteers are managed effectively and compassionately (as in Marjorie Bair’s case). Mandates designed and delegated from some suit in DC are either over-presumptuous or inadequate and most often fail to reflect the challenges presented to in-country staff due to the context of a developing country and its oftentimes sub-par standards.
After serving for a year, I am confident and comfortable with the competency of the safety and security team in Fiji. The incidences that have occurred have resulted in quick action and arrests when necessary.
I don’t doubt that there are countries and staff that fail us as PCV’s, but I think we should reflect on those that keep us safe to find the solution.
Victor Estrada (Fiji 2010-12′)
I am so thankful to all those who are willing to share their stories and all those who are willing to take steps toward a more understanding and compassionate Peace Corps.
I was in Kyrgyzstan 06′-08′, and it was my experience/opinion that:
a)More American cultural training/evaluation is needed for Peace Corps host country national staff. One of our medical officers was known for being incredibly insensitive toward women who had consensual sex; if I had been raped, I doubt I would have told him at all.
b)Peace Corps policies should probably vary more from country to country. Cross-cultural work is difficult and complicated.
c)Personally, though I understand the politics and practicalities, I think ideally, Country Directors would always be Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.
d)Some “studies” that were thrown around during my training said that volunteers were safer in our particular country when their wealth wasn’t consolidated by living together(and when they didn’t grate against cultural norms together). My brother was in the Navy and was shocked that we were sent out by ourselves. In my opinion, usually we were safer that way. (Anecdotally, my assault occurred when I was with another volunteer.) But when a volunteer is experiencing harassment living alone in her/his site, that likely indicates more of a problem than a solution.
e)We haven’t exactly stamped out victim-blaming in the U.S., so I don’t think we can reasonably expect to do that anytime soon in countries where it’s even more of a norm. But we can definitely provide better training for and regulation of counseling and other administrative tasks involved.
I served in Thailand from 1964-1966. I can’t recall any problems of this type with female volunteers — but I admit I was not privy to everyone’s personal situation. Looking back, I think that there was “safety in numbers” in that most females were assigned to teacher training schools and colleges which provided a warm and protective environment. Outside of work, the women in our group travelled widely by bus and train and took trips nearby to Cambodia and Malaysia without incident (to my knowledge).
It strikes me that PC would be well-served if:
1) the 5-year service cap was waived so that a more intimate country-by-country grasp of the socio-cultural context could be built up and used in the careful placement of volunteers
2) an in-depth socio-cultural profile should be done and updated on each country where PC serves, especially the newer countries, to ascertain local mores on the treatment of women generally and what societal and legal protections pertain
3) ALL PC US and local staff must be vetted thoroughly as to criminal background, references and a psychological profile be done
4) a study should be done of all countries where PC is serving, starting with the original 13 to determine lessons learned on the treatment of women volunteers. Why do some countries “outshine” others in offering a safe and protective environment?
5) all senior staff of PC, and Country Directors, should be RPCVs with relevant cultural and language skills
6) PC Missions should coordinate closely with the US Embassy Security Office at post and not handle sexual assaults unilterally with local authorities
7) in the event a PC Director or other senior staff commits a sexual crime or engenders an indecent atmosphere toward female PCVs, he/she should be escorted bac to the US and indicted
Would appreciate others’ feedback
Dick Nelson, Thai IX
Having recently been evacuated from Niger due to safety and security issues in the country, I must say that the PC staff and CD were highly attuned to volunteer safety in all areas. In fact, one volunteer in our training group was early terminated due to her inability to follow rules, thus jeopardizing her future safety as an official volunteer.
It takes a huge measure of courage to come forth and testify about the serious offenses of rape and assault. Those volunteers are to be applauded for bringing the issues into focus, however, if legislation is passed regarding future responsibilities of the Peace Corps to protect and better support its volunteers, there should also be funds allocated for that purpose rather than expect those measures to take place due to pressure ,when the overall budget is already appreciably reduced.
The goals of the Peace Corps are well thought out and executed through the service of volunteers. Congress must recognize that if a program is to meet its goals of fostering peaceful relationships throughout the world, the volunteers must be protected both physically and emotionally in order to do their work in the most trying of conditions.
Even though our service was cut short in Niger, my husband and I re-enrolled immediately and are leaving for Armenia in 11 days due to our belief that the Peace Corps is a worthy experience and a way to make a small difference in our world. Small steps have the potential to produce greater leaps forward as Peace Corps volunteers strive for a more peaceful world. The organization AND the volunteers deserve support for those efforts.