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Contact us for free, confidential support at any time, 365 days a year. We are always here for you.
A safer Philadelphia, for better tomorrows.
For 50 years, WOAR – Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence has provided an empathetic ear, a caring heart and a helping hand to anyone who has experienced sexual violence recently, or at any time in their life. Each year, we helped thousands of survivors of sexual violence in Philadelphia through our hotline and in-person support and advocacy.
WOAR is here for survivors of sexual harassment, abuse, and assault because generous donors, like you, made it possible. Generosity gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others. WOAR is here because you make it possible!
Please stand with us by making a donation to WOAR.
Get the support you need.
WOAR offers crisis support and resources for specific communities. Find guidance to get the help you
need, or discover resources to help someone in need of crisis support.
LGBTQIA+
Help for LGBTQIA+ victims/survivors
of sexual assault. It can get better.
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Young Adults & Teens
Learn about sexual violence among
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You are not alone.
We’ve been there.
“When I was put in a fight or flight situation, I did neither. I froze. And I want to make it clear to other survivors that froze, you made it out alive. Your body protected you the best it could. You did everything right, and now you are a survivor. A SURVIVOR. Also, survivors of this kind of trauma should always remember it is never your fault. You did not choose this – no matter what people say or don’t say.”
Isabella, Survivor and Volunteer
Back to school season can be hectic as a parent, but we`re here to help. Join us at our next Smarter Parents workshop!
Back to school season can be hectic as a parent, but we`re here to help. Join us at our next Smarter Parents workshop!
Join us on Thursdays, we can`t wait to see you there!
Happy Labor Day!
Every 68 seconds someone in America is sexually assaulted. Many will be assaulted by someone they know –a colleague, partner or friend. Whether you were grabbed in a nightclub or raped by someone you know, it has a devastating impact on your mental health and feeling safe. This can take a long time to recover from.
Counseling is a critical part of the healing process. We work with survivors and their loved ones to support healing, understanding, and thriving.
WOAR provides FREE trauma informed therapy services to children and adults who have experienced sexual violence. It does not matter if the sexual trauma occurred yesterday or 60 years ago. WOAR works with everyone. Most importantly, you are not alone. We believe you. To access counseling services for the first time, please call or text our 24-Hour Hotline 215.985.3333.
Every 68 seconds someone in America is sexually assaulted. Many will be assaulted by someone they know –a colleague, partner or friend. Whether you were grabbed in a nightclub or raped by someone you know, it has a devastating impact on your mental health and feeling safe. This can take a long time to recover from.
Counseling is a critical part of the healing process. We work with survivors and their loved ones to support healing, understanding, and thriving.
WOAR provides FREE trauma informed therapy services to children and adults who have experienced sexual violence. It does not matter if the sexual trauma occurred yesterday or 60 years ago. WOAR works with everyone. Most importantly, you are not alone. We believe you. To access counseling services for the first time, please call or text our 24-Hour Hotline 215.985.3333.
Womens Equality Day is celebrated in the United States on August 26 to commemorate the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment (Amendment XIX) to the Constitution, which prohibits the states and federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex.
From politics to sports, women have shattered the glass ceiling and continue to pave the way for equality and representation. Women’s Equality Day is a great opportunity to appreciate, honor and celebrate women in your community!
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, you are not alone. Call the 24/7 hotline 215.985.3333 for immediate assistance.
Womens Equality Day is celebrated in the United States on August 26 to commemorate the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment (Amendment XIX) to the Constitution, which prohibits the states and federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex.
From politics to sports, women have shattered the glass ceiling and continue to pave the way for equality and representation. Women’s Equality Day is a great opportunity to appreciate, honor and celebrate women in your community!
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, you are not alone. Call the 24/7 hotline 215.985.3333 for immediate assistance.
Sexual predators seek victims who they think are easy to overpower and manipulate. They look for those who are unlikely to report the assault and who would not be deemed credible if the assault were reported. Older adults are at risk for sexual violence because they do not fit the “image” of a victim of sexual assault, and elder sexual assault is one of Pennsylvania’s most hidden crimes. The social stigma of old age makes them an easier target for abuse and more likely to remain silent if victimized. Unfortunately, older victims often receive less services and intervention than younger victims.
Sometimes older adults need others to provide basic necessities and assistance with daily life. This increases their risk of sexual abuse. Older adults are often victimized by those assisting them or those closest to them. Reduced cognitive or emotional functioning may also render older people more susceptible to sexual assault.
Many older adults are living alone and isolated. Isolation destroys people. Giving your time and attention can transform a life. Engage with older adults in your family, social network, or community. Find an older adult who could use some company or assistance and spark up a conversation. Take the time to take an interest. A conversation can change a life.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, call 215.985.3333 any time 24/7. We are here to help.
Sexual predators seek victims who they think are easy to overpower and manipulate. They look for those who are unlikely to report the assault and who would not be deemed credible if the assault were reported. Older adults are at risk for sexual violence because they do not fit the “image” of a victim of sexual assault, and elder sexual assault is one of Pennsylvania’s most hidden crimes. The social stigma of old age makes them an easier target for abuse and more likely to remain silent if victimized. Unfortunately, older victims often receive less services and intervention than younger victims.
Sometimes older adults need others to provide basic necessities and assistance with daily life. This increases their risk of sexual abuse. Older adults are often victimized by those assisting them or those closest to them. Reduced cognitive or emotional functioning may also render older people more susceptible to sexual assault.
Many older adults are living alone and isolated. Isolation destroys people. Giving your time and attention can transform a life. Engage with older adults in your family, social network, or community. Find an older adult who could use some company or assistance and spark up a conversation. Take the time to take an interest. A conversation can change a life.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, call 215.985.3333 any time 24/7. We are here to help.
Healing from sexual violence looks different for everyone. Some may pursue legal justice, while others may focus on other ways to heal – like therapy, support groups, journaling, talking to loved ones, spiritual healing, creative expression, movement, etc. Healing is a personal journey, and each person can decide which avenue(s) allow them to regain power in their life.
At WOAR, we take a person-centered approach. We create a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space for victims and survivors to process their feelings, ask questions, request resources, work on coping techniques and safety planning, and pursue legal options. We are here to listen and validate.
We provide information and options, but we never tell victims and survivors how to heal or how to seek justice. Confidentiality is at the core of our work, and we never share information with law enforcement. The only information shared with law enforcement is the information provided directly to the officers by the victim/survivor.
When people call our crisis line, confidentiality, respect and discretion are the utmost priority. The victim/survivor is never pressured to share details of their story to be believed. We believe you, no matter what, and your safety and healing, however that may look, are what grounds us in this work.
If you need help, call the 24/7 Hotline 215.985.3333. Learn more https://www.woar.org/what-to-do-if-you-are-sexually-assaulted/
Healing from sexual violence looks different for everyone. Some may pursue legal justice, while others may focus on other ways to heal – like therapy, support groups, journaling, talking to loved ones, spiritual healing, creative expression, movement, etc. Healing is a personal journey, and each person can decide which avenue(s) allow them to regain power in their life.
At WOAR, we take a person-centered approach. We create a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space for victims and survivors to process their feelings, ask questions, request resources, work on coping techniques and safety planning, and pursue legal options. We are here to listen and validate.
We provide information and options, but we never tell victims and survivors how to heal or how to seek justice. Confidentiality is at the core of our work, and we never share information with law enforcement. The only information shared with law enforcement is the information provided directly to the officers by the victim/survivor.
When people call our crisis line, confidentiality, respect and discretion are the utmost priority. The victim/survivor is never pressured to share details of their story to be believed. We believe you, no matter what, and your safety and healing, however that may look, are what grounds us in this work.
If you need help, call the 24/7 Hotline 215.985.3333. Learn more https://www.woar.org/what-to-do-if-you-are-sexually-assaulted/
The English language is a very powerful thing. What you say, and how you say it, is extremely impactful. With social media there is no limit to how much good you can do, how much support you can give or how much understanding you can reach. Providing positive comments on the posts of sexual violence survivors is a simple way to let them know that you hear them. Sometimes all it takes is one person to make them feel validated and recognized.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, you are not alone. Call 215.985.3333 for help 24/7/365. No one impacted by sexual violence should navigate alone.
The English language is a very powerful thing. What you say, and how you say it, is extremely impactful. With social media there is no limit to how much good you can do, how much support you can give or how much understanding you can reach. Providing positive comments on the posts of sexual violence survivors is a simple way to let them know that you hear them. Sometimes all it takes is one person to make them feel validated and recognized.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, you are not alone. Call 215.985.3333 for help 24/7/365. No one impacted by sexual violence should navigate alone.
Safe Bars is staff training that you don`t have to plan or present. WOAR facilitators initiate a conversation with your staff about which behaviors are okay and which are not. The goal is to keep both patrons and bar staff safer from predatory behavior, harassment, and sexual assault. Great things happen when everyone works together and looks out for each other! Learn how your bar can become a certified Safe Bar. https://citysafephilly.org/become-a-safe-bar/
Safe Bars is staff training that you don`t have to plan or present. WOAR facilitators initiate a conversation with your staff about which behaviors are okay and which are not. The goal is to keep both patrons and bar staff safer from predatory behavior, harassment, and sexual assault. Great things happen when everyone works together and looks out for each other! Learn how your bar can become a certified Safe Bar. https://citysafephilly.org/become-a-safe-bar/
