Warning: This story contains references to and descriptions of sexual violence.

Radio version of this story on PRX

This episode of the Posh Corps Podcast investigates Peace Corps' mismanaged implementation of the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act. This story is the second segment in The Reform Series, a four-part series about Peace Corps reform efforts.

Kate Puzey served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin. She was murdered after blowing the whistle on sexual misconduct by a part-time Peace Corps contract employee. Kate Puzey's parents worked with the members of the advocacy group First Response Action to advocate for the Kate Puzey Volunteer Protection Act. The Kate Puzey Act required Peace Corps to implement new procedures for volunteer victims of sexual assault, and whistle-blower protections for volunteers. The Kate Puzey Act also required Peace Corps to hire a victim advocate to help volunteer victims and agency management understand the rights of victims.

Kellie Greene was the first victim advocate hired by Peace Corps. Kellie says that Peace Corps was resistant to the reforms mandated by the Kate Puzey Act, and that agency management forced her out of her position at Peace Corps.

Posh Corps Podcast Ep. 14 Transcript

Produced and recorded by Alan Toth

Recording and Editorial Assistance by Lauren Schwartzman.

Music: "A Tale" from the album Hang by Laura Inserra. Used under a license provided by iLicense Music

Photos: Kate's Voice, Kellie Greene

Interviews with Kellie Greene, Casey Frazee Katz, and Danae Smith

Aaron Case: Murder in Benin

House Foreign Affairs Committee Testimony of Catherine Lois Puzey

Peace Corps Office of Inspector General: Semiannual Report to Congress (2009)

C-Span: Peace Corps Volunteer Safety (2011)

Kate's Voice

First Response Action

Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011

Danae Smith Interrupted Service Memo

Peace Corps Office of Inspector General: Management and Performance Challenges (2015)

Memorandum: Peace Corps to Kellie Greene, Proposed Removal

Nina Ren: Written Reply to Notice of Proposed Removal for Kellie Greene

Memorandum: Peace Corps to Kellie Greene, Suspension Notice

Items below from the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs:

Insyte Partners: Compilation of All Interview Quotes - Kate Puzey Act and Peace Corps Sexual Assault Response and Risk Reduction Program

Expert Consultants Kate Raftery, Lee Lacy, and Jen Markowitz: Final Report - Review of Key Office Coordination and Collaboration in the Effective Provision of Response and Support for Victims of Sexual Assault and Other Crimes.

Communications from Peace Corps Chief of Staff Laura Chambers to Kellie Greene