Peace Corps Rersponse to the 20/20 special

All the information in this post has been taken from the Peace Corps direct website. I wanted everyone to hear their statment prior to the special and their response after as well. I have only heard the best regarding the safety regulations the Peace Corps holds and am extremely priviliged to be an applicant and potential volunteer.

"Peace Corps Statement Issued to ABC News’ 20/20 before the program aired:

January 11, 2011

During the production of your story and the interview with Deputy Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet, thePeace Corps has made it clear that, in the interest of justice for Kate Puzey and her family, we will not comment on the ongoing investigation into the murder of Kate Puzey or do anything else that could risk compromising that investigation or any prosecution of the case.It is understandable that the Puzey family wants more information about what happened to their daughter.Kate’s family has our deepest sympathies for their tragic loss, and the Peace Corps is united with the Puzey family in the pursuit of justice for Kate. We have also put into place new protocols that respond to the concerns expressed by the Puzeys on how the agency supports the families of fallen volunteers. Peace Corps does not have a role in the ongoing investigation, but we have been assured that the Benin government is supporting the legal process necessary to conclude the investigation and begin a trial. The Department of State and the FBI have been working with the Benin authorities. Peace Corps manages a comprehensive approach to volunteer safety and security. We always are working to improve and strengthen our training and operations for our staff and volunteers abroad. We will never be able to entirely eliminate volunteers’ exposure to crimes overseas, but we will continue to do our best to make Peace Corps a safe and productive experience for the Americans serving as volunteers today and in the future. A second component to your story covers the concerns of Peace Corps volunteers who have been raped or sexually assaulted while serving abroad. When anything happens to one of our volunteers, we do our best to offer comprehensive support through medical, counseling, and legal services. We are unwavering in our efforts to strengthen our approach to volunteer safety and security.

Since August 2009, when Aaron Williams became Director of the Peace Corps, the agency has put into place measures to improve our security and support operations. The Peace Corps has developed an enhanced agencywide sexual assault prevention and response strategy. This plan is designed to expand the depth and breadth of the agency’s ability and commitment to prevent and respond to sexual assaults. Accordingly, we have undertaken a comprehensive study of best practices in the field of sexual assault prevention, met with leaders in the field of rape prevention and response, written new guidelines for responding to rapes and major sexual assaults for use by overseas staff, developed a statement of Peace Corps’ commitment to victims of sexual assault, and updated the agency’s incident reporting system. Although we have made significant progress in strengthening our security and support operations, we know that more needs to be done. We are committed to implementing additional reforms this year and in the future to improve all aspects of volunteer service. As we proceed, we will keep listening to our volunteers and returned volunteers. In addition, we will continue to seek advice and counsel from outside experts and other government agencies on how to improve our security and support systems. Peace Corps is proud that the vast majority of volunteers feel safe in the areas where they live and work. According to the 2010 Annual Volunteer Survey, 87 percent of our volunteers reported that they were usually safe or very safe where they live and 91 percent reported the same where they work. Peace Corps remains firmly committed to the safety and security of our volunteers. It is our top priority. If ABC News’ 20/20 needs more information on our global operations as you edit your piece, we are available to provide additional data and information to ensure that your program is fair and accurate."

"Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams’ Response to ABC News’ 20/20

"ABC's program is deeply troubling and does not accurately reflect Peace Corps' unwavering commitment to our volunteers. The health and safety of our volunteers is the single most important priority for our agency. We are consistently reviewing and improving our global operations to ensure that we are doing our best to keep our volunteers healthy, safe and productive.

"We cannot comment on the ongoing investigation into the 2009 murder of volunteer Kate Puzey in Benin or do anything else that could risk compromising that investigation or the possibility of a successful prosecution. Peace Corps does not have a role in the ongoing investigation, but we have been assured that the Benin government is supporting the legal process necessary to conclude the investigation and begin a trial. The Department of State and the FBI have been working with the Benin authorities.

"Kate represented the best America has to offer the world with her dedication to her community and commitment to public service. Kate's death was a tragic loss for the Peace Corps. We continue to grieve with the Puzey family and Kate's friends. It is my sincere hope that justice is served both for Kate and her family. I would like to offer my apologies to the Puzey family if either the former leadership or the agency under my direction could have been more compassionate. Personally, it is heartbreaking to learn that they ever felt abandoned by the Peace Corps. This has never been our intent.

"Under my leadership, the Peace Corps has been implementing reforms to enhance the quality of Peace Corps service. These reforms include strengthening all health and safety measures. We do everything we can to keep our volunteers safe, and for those who sadly fall victim to crime, we do everything we can to support them in their recovery. The women interviewed by 20/20 are courageous and strong. Their stories are heartbreaking. Since their service, Peace Corps has improved sexual assault prevention procedures and practices, and we will continue to be responsive to the victims of assault and provide comprehensive care.

"We will never be able to eliminate volunteers' exposure to crimes overseas, but we will work continuously to maximize the safety and health systems supporting our volunteers. This is my pledge to Americans serving today and to the volunteers of tomorrow."

• For more information about our commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for our volunteers, please visit the Safety Section on our website.

About the Peace Corps: President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, by executive order. Throughout 2011, Peace Corps is commemorating 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world. Historically, more than 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Today, 8,655 volunteers are working with local communities in 77 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. "


Also I would like to point out some further informaiton I came across through PCJ. 20/20 presented the fact that over the past decade over 1,000 women have been subject to sexual assault or rape.  Looking at the large statistical figures, these numbers account for about .05 percent of the 200,000+ PC volunteers who have served or are currently serving.  In addition, there have been a total of 279 volunteers who have died during service overseas (From The Fallen Peace Corps Memorial Project).  Of those 279 volunteers who have died, 23 of them were murdered.  The PC publishes a report on safety statistics every few years and you can find much of the information in the most recent of these reports at Peace Corps Wiki’s Safety of the Volunteer Page, which also includes a breakdown of safety statistics by country. (A direct link to the report can be found here).

20/20 you need to check your vision..

As most of you may already be aware, 20/20 had shown a special last night regarding violence in the Peace Corps. I was deeply disturbed by this special but not in the way you might believe. As a current Peace Corps applicant, I have already thought of the dangers as well as the rewards this position could bring. I have prepared myself by speaking to previously volunteers and doing much research. I have heard that at times you may feel isolated and a sense of loss of connection to the agency. I also understand many individuals may apply believing that going to a third world country, through such a large organization, you won't be alone and that the guidance and assistance will help you along the way. If you really want to make a difference, it will only be greater with your vision alone. We are the ones placed in that village, we see what is needed, it is our vision, our work that changes those around us. I am prepared to accept the assistance given to me by the PC but at the same time ready to independently assist my new community with its most vital needs.  In the end, this is our decision to leave, our decision to stay and our decision to take it will all the risks involved. PC does not force us to reside in a community with dangers. If I feel at danger at all during my service, I will leave, with or without the assistance of the PC.  No matter where I decide to go on my journey in life, there will always be risks involved and I need to take that into account.  In the 20/20 special they focused on the violence women have encountered during their time serving in the Peace Corps. They spoke about how the Peace Corps did not take further action in assisting with these women's needs and tried to cover up the assaults which took place. The major problem I had with 20/20 was that they just attacked the Peace Corps and did not discuss the main issue at hand, being the violence and oppression that women encounter in this world. I understand that it may be wrong for the PC to cover up these incidents but it is the federal government we are talking about here, of course they need to contain the image they hold. 20/20 should of spoke about the epidemic of women not only in our country but around the world who are subjected to rape or assault with no where to go after for help. They should of discussed how this happens on every college campus and how most women have nowhere to turn then. They should of discussed all of the jocks who have assaulted women and it being covered up to protect their image. They stated the statistic that 1000 women in the past 50 years have encountered some type of assault while in service. I am sure you can take that number and say it multiplied is how many women are assaulted on a college campus a year. 20/20 should of focused on the issue at hand and discussed ways that organizations such as the PC can take further action to not prevent this, because well unfortunately it can't be prevented, but ways to help cope with what has happened and the actions that can be taken against the perpetrators.  PC just needs to develop a plan for counseling these women and lending support after their tragedies. The whole world does not need to know what happened but these women do need support from those they depended on. I applaud the courage of the women who spoke out about what had happened and understand their anger. However, they should of not only attacked the PC but spoke about the wonderful things that it has done for the majority of its volunteers. Also, what a coincidence that this needs to be spoken of on the anniversary of its 50th. I am not saying PC is perfect but they need to take in account that this is a worldwide issue. As far as we have come as women, there is so much more for us to do to stop the oppression worldwide. 20/20 next time why don't you help make a difference rather than just attacking a national organization. All this special did was give ignorant people a chance to complain further about our government rather than actually make an effort for change. But as Ghandi said, you must be the change you wish to see in this world and that's exactly what Iam going to do. This special did not change my view or decision to further pursue the PC but only made me want to take further steps in attempting to end the oppression of women worldwide.

Reduction of RAS..

I can finally say that my RAS has subsided because I now have something amazing to look forward to, other than leaving for PC. I just booked a flight to Wisconsin. I will be leaving February 24 and spending five full days with the best roommate I ever had/best friend Crystal. I hope while with her I can see some other Madison faves as well. I will then be meeting up with my other best friend Daniele on Tuesday March 1 and the next day we will be heading out on a road trip, our adventure from the Midwest to Southwest. We will be going through Wisconsin-Iowa-Nebraska, possibly stopping at her old co workers place for some rest and then heading out the next day to Colorado. We will be stopping in Crested Brutte to see one of my favorites Jeselle and hopefully spend a full day with her. Then we will be heading to our top destination Gilbert, AZ to see Nicole! We will spend three days there and then go on our way through New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois and back to Wisconsin. We will be stopping, destination unknown, somewhere for a day or so. Our goal is to stop in some way in every state we pass through. I have a goal that I want to have visited 25 states before the age of 25 and it will be accomplished due to this trip! After the trip we will head back to her place where I will spend the remaining weekend in Milwaukee and then head back home to continue suffering from RAS (or hopefully not?). I haven't been back to Wisconsin in over a year and I truly miss the state and most of all my best friends who I am going to cry my eyes out to be leaving again! However, no matter where I am in this world I know these girls will be there for me if I need them and come see me, as long as they have the funds to do so. What is even better, is how I have already started using my PC mentality. I received a cheap flight and won't be spending much due to spending all of the time at others homes. What is better than spending close quality time with my best anyway. I am so happy that things have worked out financially and seem to being going very well. I plan to pay off all my credit card debt by February and then focus on paying off one loan, while buying things I need along the way. Until next time..

While I wait..

I have been counting down the days until the end of this month, just to possibly hear from the PO. I go onto PC journals daily and read all the blog updates, which just make me more anxious. Everyone's story is so different, that it is hard to tell how yours will go. It is hard to describe the feeling I have but it's like hearing about a book you are dying to read but it hasn't come out yet so you are unable to start the story. I can't wait for my story to begin but until then I have to continue to occupy my time and reduce the obsession over my possible future. I decided to slowly begin buying things that I would pack but also could use no matter what, in case by some crazy chance this falls through (I desperately hope not!). I finally bought the DSLR camera I was dying for, my first one, Nikon D3100. Due to my busy schedule I was unable to even check it out until last night. I am having a lot of fun learning about my new camera and can't wait to start taking a bunch of cool pictures. I have been hearing about the 365Project and am very interested in doing it, even though I already missed a week. It might be hard for me to continuously upload my pics but I may just give it a try. The 365Project is just taking a picture a day. It is something that would be easy for me while in the PC and a pretty amazing way to show others my life overseas. However, when I think of doing it now, my life might just not be that interesting for it, but who knows! I also went to the bookstore the other day to pick out a decently priced book/cd combo to help freshen up my Spanish as much as possible until June. I wound up buying the Spanish book for Dummies. I know it sounds silly but it seemed like the most entertaining and informative book at such a decent price. I bought the one with all four books in one, plus a CD. It caught my eye mainly due to the health worker section, since I would need to know those terms if placed in CSA. I also told all my fellow spanish speaking collegues to only speak to me in spanish, but this seems like a hard task because none of them have nor want the ability to teach me Spanish. I hope to at least be more than confident in my basics by June, no matter what happens. Other things to occupy my time; obsessing over paying off my bills, volunteering, working two jobs, and obsessing over PC..oh wait I was suppose to occupy my time with other things wasn't I. I went on PCVJ today and discovered many people who are leaving in June, that recieved their PO interview. This made me slightly nervous but at the same time I have to keep in mind that it is different for everyone, for many reasons. I also started researching which bags I would want to take with me. I went on PCwiki and started by searching all the volunteer discount websites. I checked out all of them and I found this backpack by mountain hardwear koa 55, which I liked because it has the sleeping bag zipper on the bottom but I am thrown off by the color because it seems too military. This is only my first online search, I would also want to look at Dick's and other such stores. Here is a list of other things that interested me after searching all the available discounts: mountain hardwear -sleeping bag,timbuk2 messenger bag  , and some shoes that seemed appropriate : flip flops , another pair of my favorite flats , then I haven't choosen which yet but also a moccasin, boot and sneaker. RAS-Please go away, soon =) Until then, more searching, researching and waiting.