Peace Corps Partners with RAINN, Nation’s Largest Anti-Sexual Violence Organization

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 23, 2011—The Peace Corps and the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate and share educational resources and training tools on sexual assault prevention and response. Through the partnership, RAINN will provide Peace Corps with expertise on Peace Corps’ sexual assault prevention and response training for Peace Corps volunteers and staff.

“The Peace Corps is committed to providing the best, most compassionate support to volunteers in the field. This agreement allows Peace Corps to access RAINN’s resources to implement a stronger, more comprehensive training model for Peace Corps volunteers serving around the world,” said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams.

RAINN will provide Peace Corps with guidance on the development of an enhanced sexual assault prevention and response program. In return, Peace Corps will share information with RAINN on cross-cultural issues of sexual assault risk reduction and response in other countries. Currently, Peace Corps volunteers serve in 77 countries around the world.

For more information about Peace Corps’ commitment to the victims of sexual assault and rape go to the Safety Section of the agency’s website.

About RAINN: RAINN is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization, providing a leadership role in response, support, education and advocacy to prevent sexual violence and improve services to victims. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at rainn.org, and publicizes the hotlines' free, confidential services; educates the public about sexual violence; and leads national efforts to prevent sexual violence, improve services to victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.