Peace Corps Ukraines Sexual Violence Fact Sheet Purpose: This fact sheet is designed to educate volunteers and

trainees about sexual violence in Ukraine and provide a general overview of the policies and procedures that Peace Corps Ukraine uses to support victims of sexual harassment and assault. Definitions of Rape for Peace Corps and Ukraine: Peace Corps defines rape as penetration of the vagina/anus with a penis, tongue, finger or object without the consent and/or against the will of the volunteer. This includes when a victim is unable to consent because of ingestion of drugs and/or alcohol. Rape also includes being forced to give or receive oral sex. Any unsuccessful attempts to penetrate the vagina or anus are also classified as rape. Rape and attempted rape can occur between people of the same sex. Ukrainian law defines rape as sexual intercourse with the use of physical strength, threat of its using, or using the helplessness of a victim. Again, this includes assaults when the victim has ingested drugs and/or alcohol. In 2000, NGOs estimated that twenty percent of women in Ukraine from ages 17 to 21 had experienced rape or attempted rape. Definitions of Sexual Harassment in the United States and Ukraine: U.S. law defines sexual harassment as "unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature." In the workplace, this could occur if such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment, is used as the basis for employment decisions, or has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. Harassment can occur between people of the same sex. Ukrainian law prohibits "actions of sexual nature, expressed verbally (threats, intimidation, improper remarks) or physically (stroking, pats), that humiliate or will offend the people concerning the work, duty, material or other subordination." According to The Advocates for Human Rights Stop Violence Against Women Campaign, 9.6% of women and 8.5% of men reported verbal sexual harassment, 9% of women and 2.3% of men have faced physical sexual harassment, 2.3% of women and 0.4% of men have experienced "compulsion to sexual relations as payment for career promotion, salary increase, etc." Peace Corps Ukraines security suggestions to protect against sexual violence: Avoiding Risky Situations: We understand that even the most cautious volunteers may not be able to avoid an assault, but there are certain precautions you can take to keep yourself safe. Be aware of your surroundings; know who is around you and what is happening. Trust your instincts; if you feel uncomfortable in your surroundings, leave. Walk with confidence. The more confident you look, the stronger you appear. Try and avoid walking alone after dark. Tell someone you trust where you are going. Be assertive; don't let anyone violate your space. Identify a personal comfort zone that is applicable to Ukrainian culture, and feel confident in maintaining those boundaries. Keep in mind the cultural implications of your actions. Ukrainian men and women may make inappropriate assumptions about our behavior. Be cognizant of the cultural reality and monitor your behavior and/or safety strategies accordingly.
Peace Corps Ukraine Sexual Assault and Harassment Fact Sheet, Page 1

Lock your door and your windows, even if you leave for just a few minutes, and keep doors locked when you are inside. Don't prop open self-locking doors. Watch out for unwanted visitors. Know who is on the other side of the door before you open it. Avoid being alone with someone in your house. Don't lend, leave, or lose your keys. Don't put your name/address on the key ring. Avoid hitchhiking. Know your limits when it comes to using alcohol. Drink with people/in places you trust. Be careful when speaking English; do not speak too loudly. Review safety phrases in Russian and Ukrainian. Be open in your relationships with others (since sexual assault is often carried out by someone known by the victim). Be honest with your partner about your sexual limits, and foster an equal and healthy relationship based on open communication and respect

In the event a PCT/V experiences sexual violence: Responsibility: Above all else, PCTs/Vs should know that a sexual assault is never her or his fault. A PCV may have been responsible for putting him/herself in a risky situation, but someone else exerted power over her/him and did something against the PCV's will. That person only is at fault for perpetrating a sexual assault. Whether the assailant is another volunteer, host country national, or other country national, the notification and reporting system remains the same. PC Response: Peace Corps will provide support for any PCV who feels that she/he has experienced a sexual assault or sexual harassment. In the event of rape/attempted rape, please call the Duty PCMO. The PCMO will guide you through the applicable procedures needed to ensure your safety, provide you with appropriate medical care, treatment of STIs and emergency contraception, and provide you with emotional support. It is most likely that the PCMO will ask the victim to remain in or move to a safe place with people that she/he trusts. In the event of rape/attempted rape, the volunteer may be asked not to urinate, defecate, rinse his/her mouth, or clean under her/his fingernails before the examination. He/she may also be advised not to clean the house or to discard things that may be considered evidence. The PCMO will respond immediately and travel to the PCT/V. The PCMO will accompany her/him to the local police to file the report, if the victim decides to press charges. The PCMO will accompany PCT/V to the Local Forensic Evidence Collection Office, which is the only place that is authorized by local law to conduct a forensic evidence collection/exam. The PCMO will notify the CD immediately and the OMS within 24 hours. The PCMO and the OMS together with the PCT/V will decide if medevac to Washington, DC is needed. It is important to note that under Ukrainian Law a forensic medical examination is mandatory to determine sexual intercourse. Charges of rape can only be brought up by a victim and once stated cannot be dismissed. The police, prosecutor's office, and courts are all able to hear a charge.

REMEMBER!
In the event of Rape/Attempted Rape, please call the Duty PCMO: 050-330-2122. In the event of Rape or Attempted Rape when you are physically threatened or

situation remains unsafe, first call the Safety and Security Duty Phone: 050-3358816. The Safety and Security Coordinator will be your liaison with the local police. In the event of Physical Assault or Harassment, call the Duty PCMO: 050-330-2122 and Safety and Security Duty Phone: 050-335-8816.
Fact sheet developed by Peace Corps Ukraine staff and the Gender and Development (GAD) Council.
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