Hearing Link and Post-Hearing Media Round-up

Full hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee (Lois Puzey’s testimony starts at 43:30):  Peace Corps Hearing

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News coverage from the hearing has included over 360 articles nationwide, spanning most of the major papers and TV networks. For example, the story ran on the front page of the New York Times (center, above the fold) on Wednesday, and again on the front page (below the fold) on Thursday. ABC 20/20 also is planning a second report soon, and FRA ally Jessica Smochek interviewed yesterday on Good Morning America. 

Here is a sample of some of the coverage:

New York Times Articles

Thursday Article (focus on hearing, legislation, Kate's story)

Wednesday Article (focus on rape survivors)

SF Chronicle

Washington Post

NBC News (video)

ABC News

CBS News

Associated Press (video)

Atlanta Journal-Constitution (video)

LA Times

Boston Globe Op-Ed

   

NPR

Huffington Post

Mother Jones

Forbes

BBC

Herald Sun (Australia)

The Big Day: Successful Hearing & Lots of Press Attention!

This morning Lois Puzey joined rape survivors in testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the reform that is needed to protect Peace Corps Volunteers and support victims of rape and sexual assault.

The hearing was by all appearances a great success, with Members on both sides of the aisle pledging to support legislation; it is believed that Rep. Ted Poe will take the lead and introduce legislation for whistleblowers and victims rights this coming Monday.

The issue also received widespread media attention, including being on the front page of the New York Times this morning, and being covered by all the major networks. After the hearing, Lois was interviewed by the New York Times, CBS, Associated Press, WSB, Atlanta Constitution, and ABC.

More updates to follow tonight or tomorrow.

DC Day Round-up

This morning we had several productive meetings with the Peace Corps Director, senior staff, and the Inspector General - the entourage included First Action Response, legal supporters, and numerous experts in victim response. The Peace Corps is clearly making efforts to address our concerns, and pledged support for at least some of our legislation.

The New York Times also took photos and interviewed survivors from First Response Action - we hope they will run an article tomorrow. In the meantime, here are two recent news pieces:

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/raped-peace-corps-volunteer/story?id=13537674

https://news.change.org/stories/peace-corps-volunteer-speaks-out-about-lacking-sexual-assault-response

In the afternoon we went to the Hill for some encouraging meetings with congressional supporters, and we have an even busier day tomorrow before the hearing on Wednesday. Running on adrenaline and hope that we can make a genuine difference in the lives of future volunteers.

Meeting with Peace Corps Tomorrow

Kate's mother and brother - along with members of First Response Action and a supporting law firm - will be meeting with Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams and the Peace Corps Inspector General tomorrow morning. Hopefully this can be a cooperative, productive meeting just a few days before the congressional hearings.

Our New Blog!

In order to keep our supporters updated with news from the congressional hearings this week and as we move forward with the campaign, we have finally launched our blog!

For standard information on the hearing that Lois Puzey, Kate's mother, will be testifying at before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, follow this link:
http://foreignaffairs.house.gov/hearing_notice.asp?id=1288