Founded in Philadelphia, in 1973, Women Organized Against Rape (WOAR) is a vital non-profit organization dedicated to addressing sexual violence in our society. For almost thirty years, WOAR has worked together with police, hospitals and courts to serve the needs of survivors of sexual violence. These partnerships have resulted in the:
Establishment of the Rape Prosecution Unit of the District Attorney’s Office;
Creation of a separate waiting room for survivors testifying at Family Court;
Continued training of Emergency Room nurses in sensitive evidence collection;
Training of all police academy recruits in responding to crimes of sexual violence.
WOAR’s professional staff and committed volunteers provide comprehensive sexual assault counseling and advocacy services, and community and professional training. WOAR offers twenty confidential counseling sessions free of charge to adults and children who have experienced sexual abuse or assault. Educational programs are available to corporations, community organizations, schools and other service providers.
Sexual violence is a social issue that requires the resources knowledge and dedication of many different groups. By working together, we can work to eliminate sexual violence in our society. Meanwhile, WOAR is committed and ready—twenty-four hours a day—to serve the needs of survivors, to advocate on their behalf and provide life-saving information to the entire community.
