November 21, 2012
Today marks the first anniversary of the passage the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act, or “Kate’s Law” as it is lovingly referred to by friends, family and supporters. We pause on this important day to honor Kate and thousands of survivors. First Response Action is grateful to so many—President Obama, members of Congress and the Senate, former Peace Corps volunteers, and numerous advocacy groups—for their support and tireless efforts. But the promise of the Kate Puzey Act is not yet a reality for every Peace Corps Volunteer—more work remains to be done.
In the next few weeks, we will issue a report assessing the Peace Corps’ implementation of the Kate Puzey Act so far and identifying areas where more work and resources must be invested. The Kate Puzey Act is at its core a commitment by our nation to give our volunteers the care, support, and protection they deserve.
Our deep appreciation goes to you and everyone who has made an impact on making survivors in Peace Corps feel supported and get the care they need. The Kate Puzey Act was the result of the hardwork of many passionate, dedicated individuals coming together to create and codify positive change.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer and wish to share your experiences with us or need help obtaining assistance from the Peace Corps, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
With gratitude,
The Board of First Response Action
It's Law!·The Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011 passed the House by unanimous vote on Nov. 1 and the legislation was signed by President Obama on November 21st! Thank you to everyone who has supported this bill!
President Obama signs the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011 into law on November 21, 2011
Left of President Obama: Peace Corps staff Paul Weinberger and Carrie Hessler-Radelet, Senator Johnny Isakson R-GA, First Response Action board member and Legislative Liaison Kate Finn, Peace Corps Director Williams, RPCV survivor Carol Clark who testified at the May 2011 Congressional hearing
Right of President Obama: David Puzey (Kate Puzey's brother), Mr. and Mrs. Puzey (Kate's parents), Rep. Ted Poe R-TX, RPCV and survivor Karestan Koenen, Ph.D. who testified at the May 2011 Congressional hearing
The Kate Puzey Volunteer Protection Act of 2011 Passes the Senate by Unanimous Consent!
New York Times article,"Peace Corps Volunteers Speak Out on Rape"
For real-time updates about the campaign, news from the field and for personal interest stories, visit the First Response Action blog at http://firstresponseaction.blogspot.com. You can also join us on Facebook!
This site is dedicated to the important issue of improving Peace Corps' response to incidences of physical and sexual assault, rape, intimate partner violence, harassment, stalking and other crimes. The campaign began in the fall of 2009 with one Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) and has grown to a 6-member Coalition with hundreds of supporters.
