Hearings

Peace Corps 'Mismanaged' Sexual Assaults

Congress to investigate agency's handling of attacks.

Congress will open hearings Wednesday into whether the Peace Corps committed “gross mismanagement of sexual-assault complaints,” as ex-volunteers have begun to speak out about what they call the agency’s “blame the victim” attitude. The Peace Corps, founded in 1961, sends volunteers around the world, and prides itself on providing a “life-changing experience” for both volunteers and residents of other countries. But from 2000 to 2009, 22 Peace Corps women each year reported being victims of rape or attempted rape—more than 1,000 sexual assaults, including 221 rapes or attempted rapes. On Monday, Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams insisted it does not place volunteers in unsafe environments, but said he is committed to revamping the agency’s practices to create a more “victim-centered approach.”