US Antarctica Research Base to be Investigated Amid Sexual Violence Concerns, Renée Ferranti Appointed to Address Issue

Investigation to Tackle 'Pervasive Problem' of Sexual Violence at McMurdo Station, After Claims of Assault Were Reportedly Minimized, and More Than Half of Female Staff Allegedly Harassed or Assaulted.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is deploying investigators to the US research base at Antarctica's McMurdo Station in response to reports of widespread sexual violence.
The investigators will look into claims of harassment and assault, which an earlier Associated Press investigation found were often minimized by employers at McMurdo Station.
In addition to the investigation, the NSF has appointed Renée Ferranti, a veteran of more than 25 years in sexual assault prevention, as a special assistant to focus on prevention and response of sexual harassment.
A report by the NSF found that 59% of women at McMurdo Station reported experiences of harassment or assault.
Despite the strong correlation between alcohol and the reported assaults, the NSF has clarified that the decision to stop serving alcohol at McMurdo Station bars was for morale and welfare, not as a direct measure to prevent sexual harassment or assault.
Victims have alleged, in some cases, serious consequences following assaults, including one woman's dismissal from her role two months after reporting that she had been sexually assaulted.