We’re here to help. 24/7.
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
We’re looking for a visionary leader to guide WOAR into its next chapter. Joanne Strauss, Board President, shares her thoughts here: https://www.woar.org/search-for-next-executive-director-of-woar/. Details about the leadership role can be found at: https://www.woar.org/join-our-team/
Trauma responses can look different for everyone: fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. These are ways our bodies try to protect us. Ever notice one show up in your own life? Let’s talk about it.
We’ve officially launched the search for WOAR’s next Executive Director! Hear from Board President Joanne Strauss: https://www.woar.org/search-for-next-executive-director-of-woar/. For the full job description, visit: https://www.woar.org/join-our-team/
Earlier this month WOAR joined metoomvmt for the launch of their powerful new PSA The Rules at The Barnes Foundation. This PSA shines a critical light on the adultification of Black girls and the narratives that perpetuate harm.
The evening included a panel moderated by Jos Duncan Asé of @LoveNowMedia, and featuring Aishah Shahidah Simmons, Tashmica Torok, Chanel Dupree, and @thejessiewoo .
Thank you to Me Too International for including us in this moment. 💜 #WOAR #MeToo #TheRulesPSA #ProtectBlackGirls #EndRapeCulture #PhillyHealing
The search for our next Executive Director is on! Could it be you? Read the message from Board President Joanne Strauss here: https://tinyurl.com/WOARExecDirSearch. To review the job description for WOAR’s next Executive Director, please follow this link: https://www.woar.org/join-our-team/
Yesterday, we intended to share this message in honor of Juneteenth but wound up dealing with some technical difficulties. We don`t want to let the moment pass without acknowledging the importance of Juneteenth, not just on June 19th, but every day!
The fight for freedom didn’t end in 1865—and it won’t end until every system of oppression falls. To truly be free, we must tear down the systems that silence us. Juneteenth calls us to confront the deep links between racism and gender-based violence. Ending one means ending both. What is one thing you wish people knew about surviving as a Black person?
¡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/.
Father`s Day can bring up a lot of feelings. And for many men, there`s not always space to talk about it.
WOAR`s Men`s Group is a supportive, confidential space for male survivors to connect, share, and find healing- free of shame, judgement, and pressure.
Whether you are a father, brother, son, or friend- your story matters. You are not alone.
Reach out, learn more, join us!
On June 4th, WOAR stood with PCAR and survivor-focused orgs in Harrisburg to rally for an increase in state funding for rape crisis centers.
We are calling on all Pennsylvanians to act!
For 5 years, Pennsylvania’s rape crisis centers have received no increase in state funding- all while continuing to provide free, 24/7 services to survivors.
Survivor Advocates and PA Centers cannot do this alone; we need all of you and our legislators to understand the importance of ensuring centers like WOAR have adequate funding that serve survivors at no cost.
📞 Call your state senators and representatives today. Urge them to support, increase, and protect the DHS Rape Crisis line item in this year’s budget! #FundSurvivorSupport #StandWithSurvivors #PAStateBudget
Everyone has the right to set boundaries and be heard. Trust your instincts. Speak up when something feels off.
Learn more about consent and how to say no with RAINN’s #ConsentRULES:
👉 https://rainn.org/articles/consentrules
Happy Pride! WOAR stands with the LGBTQIA+ community every day. Our prevention team were present for Philly’s Pride events to share resources, hand out goodies, and play consent jeopardy. #pride2025
