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Peace Corps Statement on the Arrest of Former Volunteer Jesse Osmun in Connecticut
The Peace Corps will continue to cooperate with American and South African law enforcement authorities and we fully support the work of the Justice Department and the Peace Corps Inspector General in investigating and prosecuting this case. As part of the agency's process for determining if an applicant is suitable for Peace Corps service, every applicant undergoes a background check. The Peace Corps has no tolerance for abuse of any kind, and our deepest sympathies are with the victims.
Peace Corps Statement on the Arrest of Former Volunteer Jesse Osmun in Connecticut
Peace Corps Statement on the Arrest of Former Volunteer Jesse Osmun in Connecticut
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 5, 2011
Peace Corps Statement:
The alleged acts of the accused former Peace Corps volunteer are reprehensible. We are committed to supporting the vigorous prosecution of this case. The Peace Corps was made aware of the allegations against the former volunteer after Osmun resigned from Peace Corps and departed South Africa. Once notified, the agency immediately contacted the appropriate authorities. The Peace Corps will continue to cooperate with American and South African law enforcement authorities and we fully support the work of the Justice Department and the Peace Corps Inspector General in investigating and prosecuting this case. As part of the agency's process for determining if an applicant is suitable for Peace Corps service, every applicant undergoes a background check. The Peace Corps has no tolerance for abuse of any kind, and our deepest sympathies are with the victims.
Any questions regarding the pending criminal case should be directed to the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut.
Links to Related Topics (Tags):
Headlines: August, 2011; Peace Corps South Africa; Directory of South Africa RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for South Africa RPCVs; Sexual Assault and Harassment; Crime
When this story was posted in August 2011, this was on the front page of PCOL:
Peace Corps Online The Independent News Forum serving Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
Peace Corps Featured at Smithsonian
Take a look at our photo essay of Peace Corps' featured program at the 2011 Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall in Washington DC to see how the festival showcased the work of Peace Corps volunteers in economic development and income generation; ways volunteers have helped support local groups to help educate communities; and food and cooking traditions that have played a role in the Peace Corps experience. New: Enjoy photos from the second week of the exposition.
Congressional Hearings on Sexual Assault
Congress held hearings on the sexual assault of Peace Corps volunteers. Read the testimony of RPCVs on how the problem is still ongoing, and not limited to any particular country or region. Director Williams says that "it has become apparent to me that the Peace Corps has not always been sufficiently responsive or sensitive to victims of crime and their families. I sincerely regret that." Read what the Peace Corps is doing to address the issue. Latest: Background on sexual assault of PCVs.
Peace Corps: The Next Fifty Years
As we move into the Peace Corps' second fifty years, what single improvement would most benefit the mission of the Peace Corps? Read our op-ed about the creation of a private charitable non-profit corporation, independent of the US government, whose focus would be to provide support and funding for third goal activities. Returned Volunteers need President Obama to support the enabling legislation, already written and vetted, to create the Peace Corps Foundation. RPCVs will do the rest.
How Volunteers Remember Sarge
As the Peace Corps' Founding Director Sargent Shriver laid the foundations for the most lasting accomplishment of the Kennedy presidency. Shriver spoke to returned volunteers at the Peace Vigil at Lincoln Memorial in September, 2001 for the Peace Corps 40th. "The challenge I believe is simple - simple to express but difficult to fulfill. That challenge is expressed in these words: PCV's - stay as you are. Be servants of peace. Work at home as you have worked abroad. Humbly, persistently, intelligently. Weep with those who are sorrowful, Care for those who are sick. Serve your wives, serve your husbands, serve your families, serve your neighbors, serve your cities, serve the poor, join others who also serve," said Shriver. "Serve, Serve, Serve. That's the answer, that's the objective, that's the challenge."
PCV Murder Investigated
ABC News has investigated the murder of Benin PCV Kate Puzey. Read our original coverage of the crime, comments on Peace Corps actions, the email Puzey sent her country director about sexual incidents with Puzey's students and with another PCV, the backstory on how RPCVs helped the Puzey family, and Peace Corps' official statement. PCOL Editorial: One major shortcoming that the Puzey murder highlights is that Peace Corps does not have a good procedure in place for death notifications.
Join Us Mr. President!
"We will double the size of the Peace Corps by its 50th anniversary in 2011. And we'll reach out to other nations to engage their young people in similar programs, so that we work side by side to take on the common challenges that confront all humanity," said Barack Obama during his campaign. Returned Volunteers rally and and march to the White House to support a bold new Peace Corps for a new age. Latest: Senator Dodd introduces Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act of 2009 .
Read the stories and leave your comments.