Congress Passes Bill to Better Protect Volunteers from Violence, Sexual Assault

Everything was going well when Megan Sweeney first arrived in Kyrgyzstan this past March, but that all changed after a particular incident.

Tools

By Alexis Fernandez

Story Created: Nov 3, 2011 at 3:03 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Nov 3, 2011 at 3:03 PM AKDT

Like dozens of Alaska, Megan Sweeney chose to volunteer two years of her life overseas in the Peace Corps.

“No volunteer experience is ever the same, and they tell you that when you leave,” she explained.

Everything was going well when Megan first arrived in Kyrgyzstan this past March, but that all changed after a particular incident, which she said she could not go into detail about.

“Peace Corps would say to us is that you’re in charge of your own safety; you have to be in charge of making sure that you are making good decisions,” she said, and that when bad decisions were made, they “put it back on the volunteer.”

“When bad decisions were made they put it back on the volunteer versus the situation.”

Megan said she was made to feel like the incident was her fault, and, after six months, she returned home to Alaska.

Congress passed a bill Tuesday to better protect volunteers who are victims of violence and sexual assault after volunteer Kate Puzey was murdered in Africa when she accused an employee of sexually assaulting several women.

“There are things that can go wrong and every once in a while every organization needs some kind of review. This is what’s needed at this point, I believe,” said Joseph Sullivan, a former Peace Corps volunteer.

Supporters of the program say it's one more safety net to help future volunteers feel at ease while serving abroad.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

Kelly said on Thursday, Nov 3 at 4:57 PM

That Megan is one brave girl! They're on their own over there (Sidenote: I just used all 3 theres) and face the elements on a daily basis. I commend her and all of our Peace Corps Volunteers worldwide!

76360468
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Elaine said on Friday, Nov 4 at 9:42 AM

It definitely looks like a tough experience. I also commend all Alaskans who serve in Peace Corps - not everyone would be able to handle it! I hope this law helps protect these upstanding citizens who serve abroad.

76433449
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Johhny said on Tuesday, Nov 8 at 8:45 AM

She sure is brave. We don't know why since she couldn't comment on the incident but I sure am glad we have people like her in this country. God bless America.

76607399
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KTVA CBS 11 | Anchorage, Alaska News and Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.