Current:Home > reviewsInvestigators headed to U.S. research base on Antarctica after claims of sexual violence, harassment -EverVision Finance
Investigators headed to U.S. research base on Antarctica after claims of sexual violence, harassment
View
Date:2025-04-15 02:53:01
The watchdog office overseeing the National Science Foundation is sending investigators to Antarctica's McMurdo Station after hearing concerns about the prevalence of sexual violence at the U.S. research base.
Meanwhile, the NSF, a federal agency, said it's furthering its own efforts to address the "pervasive problem." The agency announced Friday that it is appointing Renée Ferranti as a special assistant to the NSF director to focus on sexual assault and harassment prevention and response.
An Associated Press investigation in August uncovered a pattern of women at McMurdo Station who said their claims of harassment or assault were minimized by their employers, often leading to them or others being put in further danger.
Internal communications obtained by the AP indicated the NSF Office of Inspector General would send investigators for a site visit from Monday through Nov. 17.
"We are in the process of expanding our investigative mission to include the investigation of criminal violations that occur in Antarctica," Lisa Vonder Haar, the chief of staff for the OIG, wrote in an email to the AP confirming the visit. "Such violations include aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact, and stalking."
Vonder Haar said its special agents have been responding remotely to complaints from workers in Antarctica since July, and it plans to have a presence on the ice during future summers.
The AP investigation detailed the lack of support many women felt from those running the Antarctic program. One woman felt compelled to carry a hammer with her at all times for protection. Another woman who reported a colleague had groped her was made to work alongside him again.
In another case, a woman who told her employer she was sexually assaulted was fired two months later. A fourth woman said that bosses at the base downgraded her allegations from rape to harassment.
A 2022 NSF report found 59% of women said they'd experienced harassment or assault while on the ice. Alcohol was a factor in some cases.
In October, the NSF decided to stop serving alcohol at McMurdo Station's bars, although workers can still buy a weekly alcohol ration from the station store. The NSF told the AP the alcohol changes were related to morale and welfare, and were not aimed at preventing sexual harassment or assault.
On Friday, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan said he was delighted to welcome Ferranti, who had more than 25 years of experience in sexual assault prevention.
"Addressing this pervasive problem remains a top priority for me and the agency, and with Renée's expertise we will continue to adapt and further accelerate our efforts to address the evolving landscape of sexual assault prevention and response," Panchanathan said in a statement.
Ferranti said in the release she hopes "to make a meaningful impact to advance NSF's progress in addressing sexual violence."
- In:
- Assault
- Sexual Assault
- Science
- Crime
veryGood! (536)
Related
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Tony Awards 2023 Nominations: See the Complete List
- Brittney Griner and Wife Cherelle Are the True MVPs With Jaw-Dropping Met Gala 2023 Debut
- Useful Products To Eliminate Annoying Kitchen Problems
- Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
- Adele and Rich Paul Dress Comfy for Date Night at Lakers Game
- How the Search for Missing Mom Ana Walshe Led to Her Husband Being Charged With Murder: All the Details
- Mark Wahlberg Shares Update on His Kids After Family Move From Hollywood to Las Vegas
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- Sophie Turner Pens Message on Privacy After Accidentally Sharing Video of Her and Joe Jonas’ Daughter
Ranking
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Seth Meyers Admits Being Away From the Kids Is the Highlight of Met Gala 2023 Date Night With Alexi Ashe
- The Best Beauty Looks at the Met Gala Prove It's Not Just About Fashion
- Khloé Kardashian's Good American 75% Off Deals: Last Day To Get $145 Jeans for $54, and More
- Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
- Post Malone Slams Drug Use Rumors Amid Weight Loss Journey
- Save $75 on This Bissell Multi-Surface Cleaner That Vacuums and Mops Floors at the Same Time
- School Strike for Climate: What Today’s Kids Face If World Leaders Delay Action
Recommendation
McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
Get Smudge-Proof Voluminous Lashes for 36 Hours With This 2 Benefit Mascaras for the Price of 1 Deal
Nicole Kidman Channels Herself for the 2023 Met Gala Like the Icon She Is
I Tried This $15 Crystal Hair Remover From Amazon—Here's What Happened
Could your smelly farts help science?
Proof Pregnant Rihanna Had Met Gala 2023 on the Brain With Chanel Look
Roger Cohen
OnlyFans Models Honor Christina Ashten Gourkani, Kim Kardashian Look-Alike, After Death at 34