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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.
Ayuda En Español
Obtenga información sobre nuestros
servicios y recursos locales.
Young Adults & Teens
Learn about sexual violence among
young adults and teens.
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
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence thrives in silence. Abuse is not always physical—it can be emotional, financial, and controlling. It can happen to anyone. No one deserves abuse. By learning the signs, starting conversations, and supporting survivors, you can help break the cycle of abuse. To learn more about what domestic abuse is, please visit https://www.woar.org/what-is-domestic-abuse/
You are not alone—help is available. Call WOAR’s 24/7 hotline for crisis support 215-985-3333.
Dear friends,
This is Joanne Strauss, President of the Board at WOAR. I write today with exciting news regarding WOAR`s leadership. Today, I am honored to announce the appointment of... read more at https://tinyurl.com/WelcomeExecDir
Rape crisis advocates are still answering hotlines, sitting with survivors in hospitals, and supporting families—ALL WITHOUT PAY during the budget impasse. 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
WOAR is partnering with Shared Safety Philadelphia to host a two-day virtual summit exploring the many intersections between men, masculinity, and violence prevention!
This conference is open to anyone interested in being part of the movement to end violence. Participants are welcome to drop in to sessions based on their availability, and registrations are encouraged. Register through the above QR code or the link below!
Link to register: https://linktr.ee/masculinitysummit
The budget impasse threatens life-saving services for survivors across Pennsylvania. Our Board President joined leaders statewide to urge action.
Read the full op-ed in the PA Capital-Star at this URL (Link in our story as well): https://penncapital-star.com/commentary/pa-rape-crisis-centers-leaders-to-lawmakers-we-cant-hold-out-much-longer/
#PABudget #SurvivorsDeserveSupport #EndSexualViolence
Schools play a key role in preventing sexual violence. WOAR partners with elementary, middle, high schools, and colleges to provide age-appropriate prevention workshops for students, parents, and staff. We also work with businesses and community organizations to bring prevention education to workplaces and neighborhoods. See topics and request a workshop at https://tinyurl.com/WOARWorkshops
🚨 College campuses have entered the “Red Zone.” 🚨
This time of year, is when sexual violence statistically increases. Students return to campus and freshman are navigating an unfamiliar and often overwhelming environment.
Avoiding the Red Zone means having continued conversations about consent, power dynamics, and barriers to safety. As well as ensuring resources, like WOAR, are readily available to students.
Contact WOAR to schedule a workshop on your campus or with your student group. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/WOARWorkshops.
🚨 PA’s 48 rape crisis centers are serving survivors 24/7—UNPAID—as lawmakers have not passed the budget. Survivors can’t wait. Share this post to raise awareness.
Reach out to your local representatives (a list is at the end of the carousel) and use the sample script to call. If you don`t know who your local representative is, please go to https://www.palegis.us/find-my-legislator to find out.
Sample email subject: Protect services for survivors
Sample 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
🌈WOAR`s LGBTQ+ group is beginning on Sept. 16th. This support group is for LGBTQIA+ survivors that are looking for a supportive and affirming space to connect, share, and heal in community. Spots are limited, so reach out soon if you`re interested!🌈
WOAR was proud to join the Sexual Assault Roundtable held in Lancaster in late August. This gathering was hosted by the Governor`s Commission on Women and PA Department of Human Services. We are always grateful to connect with leaders, fellow advocates and providers across the state.
¡Estamos contratando personal para consejería bilingüe! Únete a nuestro equipo para apoyar y defender a quienes han sobrevivido violencia sexual. Postúlate hoy mismo en https://www.woar.org/join-our-team/.
We’re hiring a Bilingual Counselor! Join us in supporting and advocating for survivors of sexual violence. Apply today at https://www.woar.org/join-our-team/.
En WOAR.org, haz clic en el menú desplegable “Inglés” en la esquina superior derecha para seleccionar tu idioma preferido.
🌍 ¡WOAR.org es para todas las personas! Nuestro sitio web está disponible en 28 idiomas para que personas de todo el mundo puedan aprender, compartir y recibir apoyo en su propio idioma. Todes merecen acceso a ayuda y conocimiento. ¡Ahora es aún más fácil en WOAR.org!
