Peace Corps Unveils New Strategy to Combat Sexual Violence on Human Rights Day

WASHINGTON – Aligned with Human Rights Day and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the Peace Corps today published its Sexual Assault Prevention Strategy and Implementation Plan: Fiscal Years 2025-2029, a guide to the agency’s next phase of action in support of sexual assault prevention. Central to the strategy and plan are measures to further cement the agency’s public health approach to prevent sexual violence before it occurs. The strategy and plan underscore the Peace Corps’ commitment to global, societal-level action to prevent sexual violence for the safety and well-being of volunteers and members of communities where volunteers live and work.

“Sexual violence directly threatens the Peace Corps’ mission of world peace and friendship,” said Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn. “This new strategy adds a public health lens to more than a decade’s worth of sexual assault risk mitigation and response work. Today, we further dedicate ourselves to long-term, whole-of-agency action to end sexual violence.”

The agency’s strategy and plan are rooted in three foundational principles that inform its approach to sexual assault prevention programming, operations, and efforts:

Fostering a Culture of Sexual Assault Prevention: The Peace Corps will further institutionalize prevention into its operations and utilize its unique approach to development to support host countries in fostering community attitudes and norms around sexual violence to create safer environments for community members and volunteers alike.

Reducing Real and Perceived Barriers to Reporting Sexual Assault for Volunteers: The Peace Corps will strengthen its sexual assault response procedures and services and further integrate trauma-informed and victim/survivor-centered care to support volunteers who experience sexual assault.

Improving Organizational Accountability: The Peace Corps will increase the transparency and accountability of its Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program and increase feedback mechanisms for the Peace Corps network.

The strategy and plan released today build on the agency’s long-term work to combat sexual violence. Since the SAPR program was established in 2013, the Peace Corps has worked to reduce incidences of sexual assault against volunteers and equip staff with the necessary tools and training to respond appropriately when sexual violence against volunteers occurs. In March 2022, the agency released Broadening the Peace Corps’ Approach to Sexual Assault Prevention, a roadmap that outlined a comprehensive plan to strengthen the agency’s approach to sexual assault prevention and response. Since then, the agency has completed every component of the roadmap including publishing today’s strategy and plan as well as:

Expanded the SAPR office to include a Senior Prevention Specialist who helps identify, implement, and evaluate promising practices and evidence-based research.

Enhanced feedback mechanisms to collect volunteer and returned volunteer feedback and incorporate input into improvement strategies.

Contracted a tele-sexual assault nurse examiner provider to guide agency medical officers as they conduct forensic exams and complete documentation.

Revamped and bolstered training requirements for Peace Corps staff at all levels.

Released a performance review and report outlining progress from Fiscal Years 2021-2023.

Yesterday’s announcement, made in conjunction with Human Rights Day and the final day of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign, formalizes the Peace Corps’ dedication to breaking the silence surrounding sexual violence and continuing its work to foster a culture of support, respect and empowerment for all individuals. Peace Corps stands in solidarity with survivors and advocates globally to create a world free from violence.

Returned volunteers who have been impacted by sexual violence, or any crime while serving in the Peace Corps, can contact the Office of Victim Advocacy, which is available 24 hours a day and can provide confidential services and referrals, by phone or text at 202-409-2704 and email at victimadvocate@peacecorps.gov.

Peace Corps Press Release