Gratitude

It is with sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act legislation that I write this blog as the founder and director of First Response Action. Countless supporters called, wrote and spoke to members of the House and Senate. So many people were involved in this effort to better support victims of sexual violence in Peace Corps, as well as whistle blowers. Thank you to each and every supporter. It's because of YOUR support and action that helped us get this legislation passed!

More than two years ago, I was sexually assaulted as a Peace Corps Volunteer in South Africa. I was confused, alone and often walking numb. There were no resources available to survivors. I am thankful that since First Response Action's inception in 2009, Peace Corps now has a manual for staff to be trained on how to respond to sexual assault, that legislation has been passed to support Volunteers and that Peace Corps has hired a Victim Advocate. The tide is turning for victim support in Peace Corps and that success is thanks to supporters around the world. Advocates, survivors, family, friends, RPCVs, Volunteers, former Peace Corps staff, current Peace Corps staff, members (and their staffers) of the House and Senate, staff at Change.org, the National Peace Corps Association, Dr. Karestan Koenen, the Puzey family and the legal team at WilmerHale have made this dream a reality for me that victims in Peace Corps would have rights, access to services and help navigating the rough terrain of the post-assault landscape.

The work of supporting Peace Corps Volunteer victims of crime has only begun. Once legislation is enacted, it is imperative that we follow-up closely to be sure that victims are receiving the services they need and that all Volunteers are being trained on issues of sexual violence. I hope that supporters will continue to lend their time, talent and voices to this cause.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am indebted to each and every supporter of victims of crime in Peace Corps.

Casey Frazee
Founder & Director
First Response Action