Office of Safety and Security

Sexual Assault: Awareness and Impact

Session Rationale
This training is designed to inform Peace Corps Trainees (PCTs) about sexual assault and associated risk
factors, both globally and in their country of service. It is essential that both male and female Host
Country Staff and/or Trainers, such as Language and Culture Facilitators (LCFs), participate in this session
in order to provide essential local and cultural perspectives. Peace Corps Medical Officers (PCMOs) may
have particularly relevant experience around this topic and can be involved in delivering this training
session.
In order to ensure that all PCTs get the same information, it is critical that the Trainer follow this session
plan as presented here. There are sections of the session plan that indicate where Posts may adapt
content for relevance to the host country and culture.

Time 120 minutes

Audience All Trainees (both two-year and Response)

Terminal Learning Objective

Based on an introduction to sexual assault, including both universal and host country specific
information, participants will recognize the tactics used by sexual predators and propose strategies to
mitigate the risk of sexual assault.

Session Learning Objectives

1.
2.
3.
4.

Distinguish between myths and facts regarding sexual assault.

Compare and contrast sex signals used by American and host nation men and women.
Recognize examples of how sexual assault can impact various aspects of a Volunteers life.
Identify different tactics used by sexual predators and associated mitigation strategies to
counter these tactics.

Prerequisites
This is the third session in the Office of Safety and Securitys five-part Global Core Pre-service Training
(PST) package* addressing personal security and sexual assault. The sessions of the Safety and Security
Global Core training package must be presented during the week(s) of PST and in the sequence specified
below:
1. Personal Security and Risk Reduction (Week 1)
2. Coping with Unwanted Attention (Any time during weeks 1-4)
3. Sexual Assault Awareness and Impact (Any time during weeks 2-4)
4. Sexual Assault Reporting and Response (No later than 7 days after Sexual Assault Awareness)
5. Bystander Intervention (Any time during the last 2 weeks of PST)
*For more information on the Safety and Security Global Core PST package please see the accompanying
Frequently Asked Questions document.
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Session Outline
Introduction

5 min ........................................................................................................................... 5

Myths about Sexual Assault

Why Were Here

10 min ..................................................................................................... 5

10 min ..................................................................................................................... 6

Impact of Sexual Assault

20 min.......................................................................................................... 8

Reaching Consensus About the Issues: Sex Signals Activity

Characteristics of Sexual Assault

45 min ......................................................... 9

10 min ............................................................................................. 11

Scenarios

10 min .............................................................................................................................. 13

Conclusion

10 min ............................................................................................................................ 15

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Key Terms in the Context of this Session

PEACE CORPS OFFICIAL DEFINITION OF RAPE: The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or
anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the
consent of the Volunteer.
PEACE CORPS OFFICIAL DEFINITION OF AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT: Another person, without the
consent of the Volunteer, intentionally or knowingly:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

touches or contacts, either directly or through clothing, the Volunteers genitalia, anus,
groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks; OR
kisses the Volunteer; OR
disrobes the Volunteer; OR
causes the Volunteer to touch or contact, either directly or through clothing, another
persons genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks, OR
attempts to carry out any of those acts,
AND:
The offender uses, or threatens to use, a weapon, OR
The offender uses, or threatens to use, force or other intimidating actions, OR
The Volunteer is incapacitated or otherwise incapable of giving consent.

PEACE CORPS OFFICIAL DEFINITION OF SEXUAL ASSAULT: Another person, without the consent of the
Volunteer, intentionally or knowingly:

touches or contacts, either directly or through clothing, the Volunteers genitalia, anus,
groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks; OR
kisses the Volunteer on the mouth;
OR attempts to carry out any of those acts .

Note: For more information on these definitions please see the Staff FAQs.
SEXUAL PREDATOR: A person who commits a sexually violent offense and especially one who is likely to
commit more sexual offenses.
ASSAILANT: A person who attacks another or a person who commits a crime.

Resources Required
Computer and Projector (optional: if a computer/ projector is not available or if you prefer to
deliver the session without technology, the session may be conducted by putting the content
from the Power Point slides onto flipchart paper)
Flip-chart paper
Markers
Safety and Security PST Supplemental Workbook
Last five years of sexual assault data for your post and country (if available, see Trainer
Preparation #6 below)
Mix of male and female host country national staff

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Trainer Preparation
Note: For guidance on who should deliver this session please see the FAQs.
1. IMPORTANT! At least one week prior to delivering this session, staff should inform Trainees
that there will be an upcoming session addressing sexual assault. Staff should share the learning
objectives and tell Trainees that they may opt out of participating in the session if they feel the
topic will be difficult for them to process in a group setting. Trainees who opt out of
participating must meet individually with the PCMO to receive individualized training. See the
FAQs for further information.
2. Prior to delivering this session you must get current data for your Post about the numbers of
rapes; aggravated sexual assaults; and sexual assaults that were reported in the last 5 years. You
can find current crime data in the reports section of the Consolidated Incident Reporting System
(CIRS). Note, only staff who have access to CIRS such as Safety and Security Managers (SSMs)
will be able to access this data. Insert the data into slide 10 of the Power Point or write on flip
chart paper if you are presenting the session without technology.
3. Prepare a flip chart paper in advance with the Venn diagram found on slide 15 of the
PowerPoint presentation and write Physical/Physiological in one circle and
Emotional/Psychological in the other.
4. Trainers should consult with language and cultural facilitators to get local language phrases
Volunteers could use for mitigation strategies for the scenario activity in the final section of this
training.
5. For the scenarios in the final activity, prepare two flip chart papers, one with the analysis
questions and one with the sexual predator tactics indicated below.
Flipchart 1:

Flipchart 2:

ANALYSIS QUESTIONS:
What tactics did the sexual predator use?
Were there any warning signs before the assault? If so, what were they?
What mitigation strategies could you use in a similar situation?
What are some of the physical and psychological impacts the Volunteer may
experience?
SEXUAL PREDATOR TACTICS:
Force and Violence
Threats and Intimidation
Persuasion and Confidence
Pressure and Guilt

6. OPTIONAL: If your country produces accurate crime data reports, you may include host country
stats on the numbers of rapes and other sexual crimes reported in the last 5 years.

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Introduction

5 min

Before starting the session, say or paraphrase the following:

We are here today to discuss a very difficult topic sexual assault. We recognize this topic can
be difficult for some people. We encourage you to participate to the extent you feel
comfortable. Feel free to step out of the room if you need to and please dont make assumptions
about your colleagues who might need a break from the session. If this brings up things you
want to talk about, we encourage you to talk with the PCMO or someone else you trust for
support.
Move on to ground rules and ask:
Since we will be talking openly about sexual assault, what ground rules would be important for
you during this session?
List the participants responses on the flipchart.
If the following are not mentioned, add them to the flip chart:
-

Participate to the extent you feel comfortable

Respect everyone and everyones opinion
Dont interrupt one another
No joking. Humor is not appropriate and can be misunderstood.
Please take the topic seriously.
The stories that people may share are confidential. Respect privacy.

Trainers note: Keep these ground rules for the Sexual Assault Reporting and Response session
that must be delivered within seven days of this session.
Thank participants for sharing their ground rules and say:
Throughout this session we will be using the term sexual assault to refer to rape and sexual
assault. Peace Corps has three classifications for sexual assault which we will be talking more
about later. During parts of the session we will be using the female pronoun she because most
victims of sexual assault are female. It is important to note that just because we are using the
female pronoun it does not imply that only women or girls can be sexually assaulted. In fact,
more male Volunteers are now reporting sexual assault.
Lets begin by looking at some commonly held beliefs about sexual assaults.

Myths About Sexual Assault

10 Minutes

This is a series of 7 slides with True False questions

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SLIDES 2-8
- Click to show slide with first True-False question; read the question and ask PCTs to raise their hand
if they think this is True.
- Click to reveal the answer
- Click to reveal supporting bullets.
Read the text on the slide. Do not spend time discussing the answer to keep within the allotted time for
this section of the session. PCTs should just raise their hand for each question.
- Click to advance to the next slide and repeat steps listed above for all the True-False questions.

Why Were Here

10 Minutes

SLIDE 9 - Click to show, Why Were Here, and say,

Our goal today is to help you develop awareness about the crime of sexual assault in the
context of being a Trainee and a Volunteer, and by doing so, help you identify and reduce the
risks you may face during your service.
- Click to reveal the Peace Corps global averages for rape; aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault
over the past ten years. Explain that the major difference between sexual assault and aggravated sexual
assault is the use of threat or force in aggravated sexual assault.
SLIDE 10 - Click to reveal Post and Host Country statistics and read them aloud

SLIDE 11- Click to reveal the first objective, Distinguish between myths and facts regarding sexual
assault and say,
We want you to be able to distinguish between myths and facts regarding sexual assaultas we
have just seen.
- Click to show the second objective Compare and Contrast Sex Signals Used by American and Host
Nation Men and Women and say,
We will compare and contrast sex signals used by American and host country men and women.
- Click to show the third objective, Recognize Examples of How Sexual Assault Can Impact Various
Aspects of a Volunteers' Life and say,
We will look at how sexual assault can impact various aspects of a Volunteers life.

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SLIDE 12 - Click to show the objective, Identify Different Tactics Used by Sexual Predators Including
Warning Signs That Could Lead up To a Sexual Assault and say,
Identify different tactics used by sexual predators including warning signs.
- Click to show the final session objective, Propose mitigation strategies to counter tactics of sexual
predators and say,
And most importantly, we will propose mitigation strategies to counter tactics of sexual
predators
SLIDE 13 - Click to show, What is Sexual Assault? and say,
What do you consider to be a Sexual Assault?
Allow the group to offer several suggestions. Record these on a flipchart.
- Click to reveal the definition of sexual assault and say,
Even though the laws can vary between countries, Peace Corps recognizes that sexual assault
takes many forms including rape and attempted rape, as well as any unwanted sexual contact,
such as grabbing, fondling, or forced kissing.
SLIDE 14 - Click to show, Was I Sexually Assaulted? and say,
Under what conditions do you think a person might ask themselves this question?
Allow the group to offer several suggestions. Record these on a flipchart.
- Click to reveal the bullet, Two Main Considerations and say,
There are two main considerations in judging whether sexual contact was consensual or not:
- Click to reveal each consideration one at a time, and say,
1. Did both people have the capacity to consent?
2. Did both participants agree to take part? (RAINN)
Just as we discussed during the true false quiz, if someone does not have the capacity to consent,
because they are too scared to say no, drunk or otherwise incapacitated, or one person does not
want the sexual contact then it is sexual assault. This applies to rape or sexual assault of a
Volunteer or Trainee by another Volunteer or Trainee. If a Volunteer is drunk or otherwise
incapacitated then it is not consensual sex.
If you are not sure if you were sexually assaulted, or even if something made you uncomfortable,
dont be afraid to discuss the incident with your PCMO or someone else you trust for support.
Even if weeks, months, or years have passed, it is never too late to report an incident of sexual
assault so that you can receive support to aid in your healing and recovery.
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The Was I Sexually Assaulted section on page 11 of your safety and security supplemental
workbook contains more information on common questions people ask themselves if they are
unsure they were raped.

Impact of Sexual Assault

15 Minutes

SLIDE 15- Click to show the Venn diagram on slide 15, Impact of Sexual Assault and say,
Sexual assault can have many effects on the victim and it can affect each person very
differently. Generally, we can group the impacts of sexual assault on the victims life into two
main categories (Physical/ Physiological and Emotional/Psychological). Some of the impacts fall
in the middle of the Venn diagram and impact both the physical and emotional well-being of a
victim.
What impacts might sexual assault have on a Volunteer? For example, a Volunteer who has been
sexually assaulted may experience trouble sleeping. Would this fall under physical, psychological
or both? What other impacts might a Volunteer experience?
List the groups responses on a flip chart that has a Venn diagram as shown on the slide. Place responses
in the appropriate part of the diagram. Recognize that not all responses may fit in physical or emotional,
so it is ok to place a response in the middle. Allow 10 minutes for this activity.
Once the group has listed out several impacts,
- Click to reveal the Physical/ Physiological impacts on the left side of the slide
Physical/Physiological:
Physical injury from the assault itself
Pregnancy
Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Click to reveal the impacts that fall in the middle of the Venn Diagram
Self-medicating (i.e., alcohol/drug abuse)
Sleep disorders
Eating disorders
Physical triggers (sights, smells, sounds, touching) that may produce a physical or psychological reaction
Self-mutilation (self-inflicted cuts but not to commit suicide)
- Click to reveal the Psychological/ Emotional impacts on the right side of the slide
Psychological/ Emotional:
Depression
Anger
Fear
Anxiety
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Psychological/ Emotional (cont.):

Guilt
Shock
Shame/ Embarrassment
Once the group has finished listing the impacts,
SLIDE 16- Click to show Impact and say,
Through this exercise, we hope you have recognized that the impacts of sexual assault can have
far-reaching effects on the Volunteers daily life. It can affect the Volunteers work, relationships
with friends and family, intimacy with others, and their ability to function in their host
community.
- Click to reveal Healing process is unique and personal and say,
Each incident of sexual assault is unique. The healing process for a survivor of sexual assault is
different for each person.
- Click to reveal Normal reactions to an abnormal situation and say,
It is important to recognize that all of the reactions we discussed are NORMAL. They are
NORMAL reactions to an ABNORMAL situation. They are symptoms of a traumatic experience
that your body and mind are trying to deal with - like running a fever to fight off infection. While
the symptoms are normal, its okay to seek help.
Clearly the physical and emotional impact of these events can influence a Volunteers decision to
report or not report to Peace Corps. In the next part, well discuss some of those reasons.
OPTIONAL: Tell Trainees to record the impacts a sexual assault may have on a Volunteer on page 13 of
their workbooks.

Reaching Consensus About The Issues: Sex Signals

45 Minutes

SLIDE 17 - Click to show slide 17, Activity

Break the group into 4 teams:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Female PCTs
Male PCTs
Female Host Country Staff/Trainers
Male Host Country Staff/Trainers

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Post Adaptation: At Posts where it would be culturally inappropriate for men and women to
discuss sex in the same room, the sex signals activity may be conducted in gender split groups in
two different rooms. The male and female groups should still generate the information about
sex signals and then swap answers to see what each other discussed.
- Click to reveal, What Signals Would a Man or Woman in Your Culture GIVE to Someone to Show
That They Are Interested in Having Sex? and say,
Take 5 minutes to discuss among your group and identify the signals they would GIVE. Using one
sheet of flipchart paper, write your group (Female PCTs/Male PCTs, etc.) and the question at the
top of your paper and record your responses.
At the end of the time, have each group post their response on the wall.

SLIDE 18 Click to show slide 18, What Signals Would a Man or Woman in Your Culture LOOK FOR
to Know That another Person Is Interested in Having Sex? and say,
Take 5 minutes to discuss among your group and identify the signals that a man or woman
would LOOK FOR to know that another person is interested in having sex. Using one sheet of
flipchart paper, write your group (Female PCTs/Male PCTs, etc.) and the question at the top of
your paper and record your responses.
At the end of the time, have each group post their response on the wall.
SLIDE 19- Click to show, Gallery Walk
Give the participants 10 minutes to move about the room and review the responses from the other
groups.
Ask participants to circle any responses that they find surprising or that cause concerns and note them
in their workbooks on page 14.
At the end of the time, have the participants return to their original seats (they no longer need to be in
the groups).
SLIDE 20- Click to show, Do We All Interpret Sex Signals the Same Way? and say,
What are some of the similarities between the responses from the different groups?
What are some of the major differences?
Take 10 minutes to discuss in the larger group.
SLIDE 21- Click to show, Could our actions or words be misinterpreted as conveying consent? and
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say,
Based on the sex signals that we just learned about, are there any behaviors or actions that are
typically acceptable for Americans that you would have to modify living here?
Take 10 minutes to discuss in the larger group.
The below questions found on page 15 of the supplemental workbook may be used to further the
discussion:
o
o
o
o

How is dating in the states different than in my country of service?

How might dating a fellow PCV, host country national, or a fellow expat shape my Peace Corps
experience?
How is dating different in rural villages or towns compared to urban cities?
From a cultural perspective, can boundaries be set before intimate relations?

Trainers note: Careful with timing here. Feedback from prior delivery conveys that this conversation can
go long. Conclude this portion of the session by saying:
Given these discussions, it is obvious that there are differences in perceptions and expectations
between men and women and between Americans and host country nationals. It is critical to
understand how others may perceive your words, your actions or even your customs. Sometimes
these differences may lead to someone interpreting your words or actions as an indication of you
consenting to have sex, even though that was not your intention.

Characteristics of a Sexual Assault

10 Minutes

SLIDE 22- Click to show, Motive and Opportunity and say,

While cultural misunderstandings can contribute to increased risk, most sexual assaults are not
the result of cross-cultural misinterpretations. Often they are the result of deliberate planning by
the sexual predator. Ultimately, sexual assault is a crime of motive and opportunity. While you
can never completely protect yourself from sexual assault, there are some things you can do to
help reduce your risk of being assaulted. (RAINN 2011)
SLIDE 23- Click to show, Characteristics of Sexual Assaults and say,
Lets look at some tactics that are used by sexual predators
- Click to reveal the first bullet, Many sexual assaults are planned to some extent and say,
Sexual assault is not an accident. Sexual predators know what they want to do, even if they have
not already identified a specific target. Most of them have a plan in mind for how they will select
and control someone, or they will seek out an area where a potential victim might be isolated
and unable to get help. When we say planned to some extent it may not mean days or weeks in
advance but also planned in the particular moment.
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 - Click to reveal the second bullet, Sexual predators often watch for vulnerabilities and opportunities
and say,
Sexual predators look for cues to indicate they can dominate and control a potential victim
They look for signs indicating that someone would be unlikely or unable to resist. For instance,
people who are unaware of their surroundings, alone or lost; someone who is intoxicated or in
some way incapacitated.
- Click to reveal the third bullet, Sexual predators often test the boundaries of potential victims and
say,

Testing boundaries may involve inappropriate comments, unwanted touching or invading

personal space. It is a way of measuring the amount of resistance a potential victim might offer.
A person who offers little or no resistance to these advances might be seen as a suitable target.
SLIDE 24- Click to show Tactics used by Sexual Predators and say,
- Click to reveal the first bullet, Isolation and say,
The number one tactic used by sexual predators is isolation. They may target someone who is
already alone. For example, walking alone, or they may try to get their target alone by offering a
ride in their car.
- Click to reveal the second bullet, Persuasion and Confidence and say,
This is the Smooth Talker who puts you at ease. They make you feel comfortable and relaxed
so you are not aware of their true intent. They may try to persuade you to do something you feel
uncomfortable about. Or they might promise that they wont try anything with you or reassure
you by saying You can trust me.
- Click to reveal the third bullet Pressure and Guilt and say,
Sexual predators may try to coerce you by pressuring you to go farther in a relationship than you
are ready or willing to go. They may try to make you feel guilty if you do not give in to their
advances. Sometimes they will say You are offending me culturally or something similar to
make Volunteers feel guilty.
- Click to reveal the fourth bullet Threats and Intimidation and say,
Sometimes the sexual predator threatens to physically harm the Volunteer or someone they care
about. They might also threaten to blackmail the Volunteer unless they comply.
- Click to reveal the fifth bullet Force and Violence and say,
Force and Violence involves a direct physical attack to overpower a Volunteer. It is what we
frequently see on TV and in movieslike when the assailant jumps out of the bushes with a knife
and attacks an unsuspecting jogger.
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Scenarios

10 Minutes

Post Adaptation: Posts may modify language in the scenarios in the Characteristics of Sexual
Assault final activity to make them more applicable to your Post. The general content of the
scenario, however, should remain the same so as not to change the learning point from each
scenario.

SLIDE 25 - Click to show the slide Scenarios and say,

Now lets look at some scenarios and the tactics that were used by the sexual predator. As we go
through this exercise, remember to use the concepts of RADAR to recognize the danger, assess
the situation and decide on a course of action. Also, remember the sex signals we discussed
earlier.
SLIDE 26 - Click to show Scenario 1
Select a Trainee to read Scenario 1 out loud. When the Trainee has finished reading the scenario,
present the analysis questions on the flipchart.
ANALYSIS QUESTIONS: (flipchart 1)
1. What tactics did the sexual predator use?
2. Were there any warning signs before the assault? If so, what were they?
3. What mitigation strategies could you use in a similar situation?
4. What are some of the physical and psychological impacts the Vol unteer may
experience?
Scenario 1: You are new at site and are invited to a wedding by a neighbor. You dont know any of the
people at the wedding so your neighbor tells you that he will stay with you and that youll have fun
together. You tell your neighbor that you dont want to drink but he tells you that not drinking with him
would be a cultural insult. After drinking and dancing for several hours, he suggests that you leave the
reception and offers to walk you home so you can talk privately. You suggest taking a cab but he
becomes upset, saying that you dont trust him because you are an American. You relent and leave
together on foot
Ask the group to answer the questions on the flipchart (see above).
Answers:
1. Tactics: Pressure, Guilt, and isolation
2. Warning Signs: Offender saying it would be cultural insult not to drink; saying an American
wont trust a local man, getting her to walk home instead of taking a taxi.
3. Mitigation Strategies: Suggest you cant drink because you are taking medication and it will
make you sick. Invite others to walk along with you. Ask someone you trust to go to the
wedding with you.

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4. Possible Impacts: The Volunteer may withdraw from her host community. She may not
want to go to cultural events such as weddings in the future. She may not want to work or
be near HCN men.
SLIDE 27- Click to show Scenario 2
Select a Trainee to read Scenario 2 out loud. When the Trainee has finished reading the scenario,
present the analysis questions on the flipchart.
Scenario 2: A fellow PCV invites you to his site for the weekend so you can collaborate on a project you
have been working on. He lives in a remote village several hours by bus from your own. He mentions
that he has a tent you can borrow to sleep in so not to bother bringing one. When you arrive at his site
he tells you that he let his friend borrow the tent, but that it wouldnt be a big deal to share his bed, you
can trust him
Ask the group to answer the same four questions on the flipchart (see above).
Answers:
1. Tactics: Testing boundaries; persuasion and confidence; Isolation
2. Warning Signs: Invitation to spend the weekend alone. Saying its not a big deal to share his
bed.
3. Mitigation Strategies: Bring your own tent anyway just in case. Go with another PCV for the
visit. Potentially, leave and go home.
4. Possible Impacts: Mistrust of fellow PCVs
SLIDE 28- Click to show Scenario 3
Select a Trainee to read Scenario 3 out loud. When the Trainee has finished reading the scenario,
present the analysis questions on the flipchart.
Ask the group to answer the same four questions on the flipchart (see above).
Scenario 3: You just returned from a trip to the lake where you spent the last three days fishing with
some PCV friends. The principal at your school asks why you left without getting permission. You
apologize and ask the principal not to report this to your APCD as you have already been in trouble for
leaving site without permission and you are worried Peace Corps will send you home. The principal tells
you that he will overlook the matter if you agree to spend the weekend with him in the capital at a hotel.
The principal assures you that this will be your secret - but if you refuse, he will report your absence to
Peace Corps and request you be removed from site. The principal reminds you that if you are removed
from site, your class for disabled children will be cancelled because there is no teacher.
Answers:
1. Tactics: Threats and Intimidation; Pressure and Guilt; Isolation
2. Warning Signs: Principals request to travel to the capital together to stay in a hotel in
exchange for not telling the APCD; the threat to remove you from site and cancel the class for
the disabled children
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3. Mitigation Strategies: Notify Peace Corps (your SSM or APCD). Refuse to travel with someone
who threatens you.
4. Possible Impacts: Withdrawal from work and host community.
SLIDE 29- Click to show Scenario 4
Select a Trainee to read Scenario 4 out loud. When the Trainee has finished reading the scenario,
present the analysis questions on the flipchart.
Ask the group to answer the same four questions on the flipchart (see above).
Scenario 4: You are in the capital for IST and have gone out with several PCVs to a nightclub after the
days activities. You decide you want to go back to the hotel and outside the nightclub , a man
approaches you and asks if you are looking for a cab. You say yes and the man takes you to an
unmarked car. You get into the backseat and the man gets in the drivers seat. Along the way the driver
chats with you and tells you how pretty you are. You notice as you are talking that the driver is not
taking the normal route back to the hotel. The driver stops the car along a deserted street and climbs
into the backseat. He takes out a knife and threatens to kill you if you resist
Answers:
1. Tactics: Persuasion and Confidence; Force and Violence; Isolation
2. Warning Signs: An unlicensed taxi; taking a ride from someone you did not know; the drivers
verbal advances; man approaching you to offer a ride
3. Mitigation Strategies: Insist another Volunteer go with you use only licensed and reputable
taxis; tell someone where youre going, license plate of the taxi, call when you arrive at your
destination
4. Possible Impacts: Mistrust of locals, potential withdrawal from friends and host community
SLIDE 30- Click to show Remember, no matter what happens
These scenarios represented situations that have actually happened to other Volunteers. We
want you to be aware of tactics commonly used by assailants and to recognize the warning signs
that may precede an assault so you can take steps to protect yourself .
Remember: No matter what happens, the only person to be blamed is the assailant. Sexual
assault is never the victims fault.

Conclusion

15 Minutes

SLIDE 30- Click to show the slide Reflection Questions and say,
Before we close we would like you to reflect for a moment on what we discussed. Please take a
moment to write your personal responses to the questions on the screen in the my thoughts bubble
page 12 of your workbooks.
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What strategies would you most likely use in a threatening situation?

Key takeaway from the session?

Time permitting, ask if there are any Trainees who would be willing to share their key takeaway.
Conclude the session by saying or paraphrasing:
In this session we discussed that sexual assault does not discriminate; it affects women, men, old
and young. It is blind to sexual orientation, race, and nationality.
We looked at some of the many myths surrounding sexual assault and hopefully you now have a
better understanding of this crime.
As Volunteers, working and living in a new and different culture, it is important to understand
local perceptions regarding sex signals and consent. Being attuned to the differences and
similarities can help you avoid dangerous situations.
We looked at tactics used by sexual predators and characteristics of an attack so you can
recognize warning signs.
Most importantly, no matter what the circumstances, no one asks to be sexually assaulted and a
sexual assault victim is never to blame.
Over the course of the next few weeks of PST, you will learn more about the risks you may face
during service. Youll also learn important skills that can help you reduce your vulnerabilities.
Remember, if you have any questions or concerns you can always speak with us individually.
The next Safety and Security session will cover how to report a sexual assault, and the response
and support that Peace Corps provides. Thank you for your attention and participation today.

Safety and Security: Sexual Assault Awareness and Impact

June 2014 Page 16 of 16