For years, I have considered joining the Peace Corps after graduation, but I hesitate when I am reminded of its appalling track record responding to and supporting survivors of sexual assault. After years of isolated reports from women who experienced sexual violence during their service — but received insufficient support from Peace Corps — this week’s Congressional hearings are an intervention that is long overdue.
However, it is clear that Peace Corps director Aaron S. Williams has made little effort to understand this issue and even less to resolve the organization’s reputation. In a recent New York Times account, Mr. Williams spoke of “revamping the agency’s practices to create a more ‘victim-centered approach’ ” (“Peace Corps Volunteers Speak Out on Rape,” NY Times, May 11). If Mr. Williams wants to support survivors of sexual assault, he can begin by replacing the word “victim” with the more empowering “survivor.” The goal of the Peace Corps, and of any organization confronting issues of sexual assault, should be to believe, support and empower survivors.@@http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=about.leadership.dir@@
The Peace Corps needs a change in leadership — someone who promotes the right of all women to be believed after their assault. Perhaps a sanction imposed by the U.S. government for inaction on issues of sexual violence would inspire other organizations to examine their own practices. The Knight Library could also reconsider its exhibit celebrating Peace Corps’ “50 Years of Service.” After fifty years of silence, should we really be celebrating?
Kerry Snodgrass
ASUO Senator