Is sexual assault a problem in the field? How does AMIGOS deal with the issue of sexual assault?
Again, AMIGOS places first priority on the safety of the volunteers. Beginning with the Tucson AMIGOS training program, the in-country training, the selection of the host family, the weekly visits by the project supervisor, and finally the pairing of AMIGOS partners in community all work together to insure the AMIGOS volunteer is fully prepared to handle any situations that my come up. Statistically, volunteers are at a greater risk of being assaulted on a college campus than while in their community. However, just as in the United States, sexual assault does occur in Latin America. AMIGOS views sexual assault as a serious issue which requires immediate and unequivocal support from the organization. Volunteers participate in personal health/safety training, including sexual assault awareness, prior to departure. This training provides life-long skills in assault awareness and prevention. It is imperative that volunteers promptly and completely report assaults to their field staff in or
