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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.
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Help for LGBTQIA+ victims/survivors
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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
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, with co-sponsorship from Councilmember Kendra Brooks, introduced the Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) resolution before City Council on Thursday, October 16th, recognizing October as DVAM in Philadelphia followed by the Paint the Town Purple event (slide has more details).
S.E.C.R.E.T. Drexel is having a Students for Survivors March on Friday, October 17 from 12pm - 3pm. Starting at North 33rd and Market Streets, by the Mario Statue concluding at City Hall with speakers sharing message of support for survivors and WOAR.
How can you help?
⦁ March with S.E.C.R.E.T. Drexel!
⦁ Contact your state legislators (listed on last 4 pages of this post)
⦁ Donate to WOAR`s Emergency Fund at WOAR.org
⦁ Share & Tag @SECRETDrexel and @WOARPhila
Thursday, Octo 16 - 10am, the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect
(PCAR) and Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) will hold a joint press conference to demand immediate action from state lawmakers as Pennsylvania’s budget impasse surpasses 100 days—leaving all 47 rape crisis centers across the Commonwealth without critical funding. Join us in uplifting the human cost of Pennsylvania’s ongoing budget impasse. Please share this post with your community. Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/PCARandPAARPressConference
Please donate at WOAR.org.
Philadelphia`s only rape crisis center, WOAR, receives emergency funding. Not only is the federal government shut down, but Pennsylvania has been without a budget since June.
CBS Philadelphia reports that the delay is having a large impact on Philadelphia`s only sexual violence resource center, resulting in major layoffs. Watch the video:
https://youtu.be/OFC74kHj-mg?si=f_uHyqlU3L_S9CMU
UPDATE FROM WOAR 10/14/2025
Counseling and Therapy Services will continue until Friday, October 17, 2025. No new clients will be accepted.
The following services will continue without interruption:
-Court accompaniment in Family and Criminal Court
-Crisis Counseling
-Continued support at PSARC for forensic rape kits
WOAR’s 24/7 hotline is being answered weekdays 12 am to 5 pm by trauma informed staff, interns and volunteers. RAINN is supporting our hotline evenings after 5pm and 24/7 on weekends.
Advocacy services, including WOAR`s Survivor Advocacy Program, will continue.
We will continue to keep the community informed. Please keep donating and allowing your voices to be heard.
Donate at WOAR.org.
RAINN is generously covering our hotline this weekend. We will resume hotline services on Tuesday, October 14th thanks to our community support.
Please keep donating and allowing your voices to be heard. Every dollar helps keep our lifesaving services going. Go to WOAR.org to donate.
Pennsylvania Rape Crisis Centers Face Layoffs - Pennsylvania`s state budget impasse has left a Philly rape crisis center and rape crisis centers across the state, in crisis. Here`s what we know: https://www.fox29.com/video/1721123
📢 When rape crisis centers are forced to cut programs and lay off staff, Philadelphia loses vital safety nets. Survivors need support now—not later.
Share this post to raise awareness. Reach out to your local representatives listed at the end of the carousel or find your local reps here: https://www.palegis.us/find-my-legislator and use the sample script to email or call.
Example email subject: Protect services for survivors
Example Script: I’m calling/writing to urge you to pass the budget with the increase for Pennsylvania’s rape crisis centers. These centers are essential, and without this funding, survivors lose access to critical services that save lives. Please make sure this funding increase is included in the budget so every survivor can get the help they need.
Read more: https://tinyurl.com/PCARBudget
#SurvivorsCantWait #PABudgetImpasse
Pennsylvania’s 48 rape crisis centers are in crisis! WOAR is included in that number. What can you do to help?
1. Call your legislators tell them survivor cannot wait another minute vital services are on the line
2. Visit our donate tab, every dollar helps to keep services active. Go to woar.org to donate.
3. Share this post
We had a blast this summer with students at North10! @n10_phl
During one of WOAR`s prevention workshops, facilitated by WOAR`s education team, we challenged students to create their own social media campaigns promoting digital safety.
As promised, we are spotlighting the winning designs right here on WOAR socials, plus a few personal favorites. Drop a comment and let us know which one is your favorite!!!
We value openness and want to keep our community informed. WOAR has released an official announcement regarding recent staff changes. We invite you to read the full statement here: https://www.woar.org/layoff-announcement/
WOAR, in partnership with Shared Safety Philadelphia, is hosting a two-day virtual summit to explore men’s roles, masculinity, and strategies for violence prevention.
Open to everyone interested in the movement to end violence. Sessions are flexible — drop in when you can. Reserve your spot through the QR code or link below!
Link: https://linktr.ee/masculinitysummit
