The Peace Corps' Sexual Assault Secret

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/25366-the-peace-corps-sexual-assault-secret

The Peace Corps’ internal watchdog is publicly criticizing the agency for not releasing sexual assault records, which they say is disrupting oversight of an agency that has struggled in the past to protect its volunteers.

It’s a worrisome charge, leveled at one of America’s most storied programs by its own inspector general, and is just the latest episode for an organization roiled by exposés about the deaths of its volunteers abroad and the inadequacy of its sexual assault practices.

Since 2008, Peace Corps Inspector General Kathy Buller has led internal investigations that have led to 21 criminal convictions for crimes such as rape, attempted rape, abuse of minors, embezzlement, theft and possession of narcotics. She’s a career watchdog, with nearly 30 years of experience in the inspector general community.

Buller charged the Peace Corps with employing procedures that have hindered her office’s oversight efforts, and said the agency was not fully disclosing its sexual assault reports.

“By not allowing us to have access to those records, in order [for us] to ensure that victims are being treated properly, there’s a distinct possibility that the treatment of the victims who had come forward and complained would continue,” Buller said in an interview with the Daily Beast.