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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.
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“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
Consent must be informed, enthusiastic, and ongoing. Consent must be freely given, reversible at any time, and based on full awareness.
Anything less is not consent.
Consent is not the absence of a “no.” It is the presence of a clear, voluntary, and informed “yes.”
Consent cannot exist when someone is unconscious, asleep, drugged, or intoxicated beyond the ability to make decisions.
Consent also cannot exist when someone is coerced, manipulated, or pressured.
A person who is unconscious or incapacitated cannot consent.
Sexual activity under these conditions is sexual assault. There is no gray area.
There are no exceptions based on relationship status, prior sexual history, or assumptions about intent.
Survivors deserve support, not skepticism.
Survivors deserve to be believed, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to have access to confidential, trauma-informed services.
Everyone has a role in creating safer communities.
WOAR’s Teal Reception at Cozen O’Connor was a meaningful close to Sexual Assault Awareness Month and a powerful opportunity to commemorate 25 years of SAAM.
The evening brought together survivors, advocates, community partners, government leaders, staff, board members, and supporters to reflect on the progress made through shared commitment and to recognize the continued importance of standing with survivors across Philadelphia.
We extend our sincere thanks to Cozen O’Connor for sponsoring and co-hosting the event, and to everyone whose presence helped make the evening so special.
WOAR was proud to honor Joanne Strauss, Esq. with the Teal Stewardship Award, Jody Pinto with the Teal Legacy Award, Councilwoman Nina Ahmad with the Teal Legislative Champion Award, and G. Lamar Stewart for his commitment to survivors and partnership with WOAR.
Thank you to our speakers, award recipients, guests, supporters, staff, board members, and community partners. Marking 25 years of SAAM is more than a milestone. It is a reminder of what is possible when a community comes together with purpose, compassion, and a shared commitment to ending sexual violence.
WOAR was proud to recognize our Teal Award honorees during this year’s Teal Reception as we commemorated 25 years of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Congratulations to Joanne R. Strauss, Esq., President of WOAR’s Board of Directors. Joanne received the Teal Stewardship Award for her exceptional leadership and steadfast dedication. This recognition reflects her lasting impact on WOAR, the survivors we serve, and the broader Philadelphia community. Her guidance has helped strengthen key relationships, support organizational stability, and keep survivor-centered work at the heart of WOAR’s decisions.
We were honored to present Jody Pinto with the Teal Legacy Award in recognition of her vision, courage, and extraordinary role in WOAR’s history. Jody founded WOAR in 1971, establishing the first rape crisis center in the nation. Her courage and commitment created meaningful change, and her legacy continues through each person who carries WOAR’s mission forward.
WOAR also honored Councilwoman Dr. Nina Ahmad with the Teal Legislative Champion Award for her longstanding partnership and continued work to advance legislation that impacts Philadelphia’s survivors. Her leadership has helped ensure survivors’ needs and support are part of important policy conversations.
G. Lamar Stewart received the Teal Community Champion Award for his commitment to survivors, valued partnership with WOAR, and work connecting communities with much-needed resources, support, and court accompaniment. His work reflects the importance of trust and access as survivors navigate difficult systems.
We are deeply grateful to each honoree for helping carry this mission forward and standing with survivors across Philadelphia.
Online spaces are being used to normalize and coordinate sexual violence.
Sexual violence is not only happening behind closed doors. It is being discussed, encouraged, and even organized in online communities.
These spaces allow perpetrators to share tactics and strategies, reinforce harmful beliefs about consent, and create a sense of community around abusive behavior.
When abuse is normalized in these environments, it becomes easier for individuals to justify and escalate harm.
This is not just a technology issue. It is a public safety issue.
However, technology platforms must be part of the solution to monitor and remove content that promotes sexual violence to prevent the spread of exploitative material.
Online platforms cannot remain passive while harm is being facilitated through their systems.
Accountability must match the scale of the harm.
Every day, WOAR advocates show up for survivors. They provide a listening ear, a helping hand, and essential resources during difficult moments. You can help make that care possible. Small details, such as access to clean clothing, can bring comfort and dignity to survivors in one of their hardest moments.
One thread can go a long way. Support WOAR by donating today https://tinyurl.com/WOARDonate
Show up for change. Awareness is only the beginning. Real change happens when communities act together. Supporting survivor services, strengthening prevention, and demanding accountability. Together, we can make a difference: support your local rape crisis center, speak up when you see harmful behavior, and contact your legislators to fund survivor services.
Stronger together. Ending sexual violence takes all of us. Everyone has a role in building safer communities. Prevention happens when communities work together: advocates, teachers, legislators, friends, family, neighbors. Together, we can build a culture where violence is not tolerated and where survivors are supported. Believe and listen without judgement. Model respect + consent in everyday life. Share local resources when someone needs help.
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone tonight at WOAR’s Teal Reception to celebrate 25 Years of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Please join us from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cozen O’Connor, 1650 Market Street, Suite 2800, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
For guests who have asked about attire, business casual is perfect.
We are grateful to gather with our community, partners, and supporters as we honor 25 years of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and stand together to lift up and support of survivors.
Survivors first. Today, we wear denim to stand with survivors. Denim Day began after a harmful court ruling blamed a survivor’s jeans. The world responded by wearing denim to say: clothing never = consent. Survivors deserve to be believed, supported, and respected. Sexual violence is never the survivor’s fault.
Re-write the narrative. Challenging the misconceptions around sexual violence. Sexual abuse, assault, or harassment are never caused by clothing, alcohol, or where someone was. The only cause of sexual violence is someone choosing to harm another person. Denim Day began when survivors and advocates stood up to victim-blaming. We can change the narrative: support survivors, challenge harmful messages, and speak up for truth.
WOAR was proud to join Jefferson University’s Resource Fair at the Center City Campus on Wednesday, April 15th.
Our staff spent time connecting with Jefferson University students and community members, sharing information about survivor support, prevention education, advocacy, healing, and WOAR’s 24-hour hotline.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table to say hello, pick up resources, and stand with us in support of survivors. We are grateful for opportunities like this to meet people where they are and continue building a safer, more informed Philadelphia.
Consent matters. Respect, communication, and autonomy are the foundation of healthy relationships. Everyone has the right to decide what happens with their body. Consent is a freely given, informed, and reversible agreement. Silence is not consent. Pressure is not consent. This Denim Week, commit to relationships built on respect and mutual consent. A culture of consent begins with everyday choices: Respect boundaries. Ask and listen. Believe survivors.
