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
WOAR is here because you make it possible! On behalf of all of us at WOAR, thank you for your generous gift. Because of you, we`re able to continue doing the vital work that we do. It means the world to us to know that we`re in this together.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Michael Kellerman and the Team at WOAR
http://tinyurl.com/DonateToWOAR
WOAR is here because you make it possible! On behalf of all of us at WOAR, thank you for your generous gift. Because of you, we`re able to continue doing the vital work that we do. It means the world to us to know that we`re in this together.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Michael Kellerman and the Team at WOAR
http://tinyurl.com/DonateToWOAR
Today isn’t just any given Tuesday, it’s GIVING TUESDAY.
As we continue to celebrate our 50th Anniversary of helping Philadelphians heal from sexual violence and preventing violence across our communities, we wanted to offer you a preview of a special effort that we’re launching to help amplify our mission.
This Friday, we will announce a special effort to raise $50,000 to commemorate 50 years of WOAR by December 31, 2023. If you make a gift to WOAR today on Giving Tuesday, you’ll be part of that group of angels who will get this campaign off to a strong start. This Friday we’ll announce the campaign by celebrating those who gave before December 1, and we’re hopeful that with that momentum, we’ll reach our goal of $50,000 by the end of 2023.
Will you consider making a donation today on this international day of giving? It’s not the amount that matters, it’s the choice to give that truly makes a difference.
http://tinyurl.com/DonateToWOAR
Thank you for giving! 🙏
Today isn’t just any given Tuesday, it’s GIVING TUESDAY.
As we continue to celebrate our 50th Anniversary of helping Philadelphians heal from sexual violence and preventing violence across our communities, we wanted to offer you a preview of a special effort that we’re launching to help amplify our mission.
This Friday, we will announce a special effort to raise $50,000 to commemorate 50 years of WOAR by December 31, 2023. If you make a gift to WOAR today on Giving Tuesday, you’ll be part of that group of angels who will get this campaign off to a strong start. This Friday we’ll announce the campaign by celebrating those who gave before December 1, and we’re hopeful that with that momentum, we’ll reach our goal of $50,000 by the end of 2023.
Will you consider making a donation today on this international day of giving? It’s not the amount that matters, it’s the choice to give that truly makes a difference.
http://tinyurl.com/DonateToWOAR
Thank you for giving! 🙏
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
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
"I never thought this could happen to me." Men and boys who have been sexually assaulted may experience the same effects of sexual assault as other survivors, and they may face other challenges that are more unique to their experience.
Some men who have survived sexual assault as adults feel shame or self-doubt, believing that they should have been “strong enough” to fight off the perpetrator. Many men who experienced an erection or ejaculation during the assault may be confused and wonder what this means. These normal physiological responses do not in any way imply that you wanted, invited, or enjoyed the assault. If something happened to you, know that it is not your fault and you are not alone. We are here for you. We can help you work through it. Call our 24/7 hotline at 215-985-4448.
"I never thought this could happen to me." Men and boys who have been sexually assaulted may experience the same effects of sexual assault as other survivors, and they may face other challenges that are more unique to their experience.
Some men who have survived sexual assault as adults feel shame or self-doubt, believing that they should have been “strong enough” to fight off the perpetrator. Many men who experienced an erection or ejaculation during the assault may be confused and wonder what this means. These normal physiological responses do not in any way imply that you wanted, invited, or enjoyed the assault. If something happened to you, know that it is not your fault and you are not alone. We are here for you. We can help you work through it. Call our 24/7 hotline at 215-985-4448.
Today, we remember all transgender people who are no longer with us, lost to hate violence, suicide, and the immense hardships of systemic oppression.
If someone you know died due to hate violence, we want to honor and remember
them too.
Please add their name(s) in the comments with any additional information you’d like to share.
WOAR is here to support all people free of charge. If you need to talk with someone, please call 215-985-3333 or visit https://www.woar.org/lgbtqia/
Today, we remember all transgender people who are no longer with us, lost to hate violence, suicide, and the immense hardships of systemic oppression.
If someone you know died due to hate violence, we want to honor and remember
them too.
Please add their name(s) in the comments with any additional information you’d like to share.
WOAR is here to support all people free of charge. If you need to talk with someone, please call 215-985-3333 or visit https://www.woar.org/lgbtqia/
You are not alone. We see you. We stand with you. We`ve been there and we believe you. You have someplace to turn. It takes immense courage to keep going in times of darkness and uncertainty.
Is it true that everything will be okay? The short answer is, yes. The longer answer is complicated, but it`s still yes. Bad things will continue to happen in the world. Each of us will continue to have bad days, but in the midst of bad things and bad days — there will be good things and good days.
The good news is that WOAR is here for YOU. All. The. Time. We will help you work through it, so you can heal. WOAR`s trauma-informed therapists are highly trained in dealing with issues that survivors face, including EMDR, a therapy technique for survivors of trauma. We will help you reclaim yourself and your life. Trauma-informed therapy really works.
If you or someone you know needs support, our 24/7 hotline is here for you 215-985-3333. 💜🧡
WOAR’s mission is to eliminate all forms of sexual violence in our communities. We provide specialized treatment services, comprehensive prevention education programs, and advocacy for the rights of the victims of sexual assault, abuse and harassment. We work with survivors regardless of when the violence occurred, and our goal is to empower survivors to heal.
You are not alone. We see you. We stand with you. We`ve been there and we believe you. You have someplace to turn. It takes immense courage to keep going in times of darkness and uncertainty.
Is it true that everything will be okay? The short answer is, yes. The longer answer is complicated, but it`s still yes. Bad things will continue to happen in the world. Each of us will continue to have bad days, but in the midst of bad things and bad days — there will be good things and good days.
The good news is that WOAR is here for YOU. All. The. Time. We will help you work through it, so you can heal. WOAR`s trauma-informed therapists are highly trained in dealing with issues that survivors face, including EMDR, a therapy technique for survivors of trauma. We will help you reclaim yourself and your life. Trauma-informed therapy really works.
If you or someone you know needs support, our 24/7 hotline is here for you 215-985-3333. 💜🧡
WOAR’s mission is to eliminate all forms of sexual violence in our communities. We provide specialized treatment services, comprehensive prevention education programs, and advocacy for the rights of the victims of sexual assault, abuse and harassment. We work with survivors regardless of when the violence occurred, and our goal is to empower survivors to heal.
Our offices are closed today, Nov 15, 2023. Please call 215-985-3333 if you need support.
Members of LGBTQ communities in the U.S. face higher rates of sexual violence, with perpetrators coming from both non-LGBTQ individuals and other LGBTQ individuals. Reporting and getting help for LGBTQ survivors can be challenging due to fear of judgment, discrimination, or denial of services. It`s crucial to provide affirming support that addresses their specific needs. Fear of community rejection, being unjustly labeled, or having their sexual orientation or gender identity revealed without consent further discourages reporting. Limited access to resources, especially for transgender survivors, compounds the problem. It is essential to ensure that all survivors, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, have access to the support they deserve.
Learn more at https://www.woar.org/lgbtqia/
#philadelphia #philly #discrimination #equality #humanrights #justice #mentalhealth #harassment #inequality #diversity #inclusion #trans #awareness #freedom #policebrutality #society #metoo #lgbtq
Members of LGBTQ communities in the U.S. face higher rates of sexual violence, with perpetrators coming from both non-LGBTQ individuals and other LGBTQ individuals. Reporting and getting help for LGBTQ survivors can be challenging due to fear of judgment, discrimination, or denial of services. It`s crucial to provide affirming support that addresses their specific needs. Fear of community rejection, being unjustly labeled, or having their sexual orientation or gender identity revealed without consent further discourages reporting. Limited access to resources, especially for transgender survivors, compounds the problem. It is essential to ensure that all survivors, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, have access to the support they deserve.
Learn more at https://www.woar.org/lgbtqia/
#philadelphia #philly #discrimination #equality #humanrights #justice #mentalhealth #harassment #inequality #diversity #inclusion #trans #awareness #freedom #policebrutality #society #metoo #lgbtq
It is important to recognize that media coverage can have an impact on our emotional well-being. Seeing detailed news coverage of distressing events and ongoing violence may bubble up feelings of heartbreak and overwhelm. And it may trigger trauma responses in survivors of sexual violence.
⠀
Survivors, please know that you are not alone. If you need immediate support, our 24/7 hotline is available at 215-985-3333. We stand with all those who are suffering during these challenging times. 💜🧡
It is important to recognize that media coverage can have an impact on our emotional well-being. Seeing detailed news coverage of distressing events and ongoing violence may bubble up feelings of heartbreak and overwhelm. And it may trigger trauma responses in survivors of sexual violence.
⠀
Survivors, please know that you are not alone. If you need immediate support, our 24/7 hotline is available at 215-985-3333. We stand with all those who are suffering during these challenging times. 💜🧡
The Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a vibrant and colorful holiday that honors the deceased. Celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd, it is a time when families gather to remember their loved ones who have passed away, and to help them journey back to the world of the living. While the holiday involves rituals such as building private altars, cleaning and decorating graves, and preparing elaborate meals, it is not a time of mourning. Rather, it is a celebration of life, with parades, music, dancing, and other festivities. Although Day of the Dead is predominantly associated with Mexico, other countries, even those outside Latin America, also celebrate their own versions of the holiday. Perhaps what makes the Day of the Dead so unique is its blending of indigenous Aztec traditions with Catholicism, resulting in a rich and meaningful cultural expression.
¿Usted o alguien que conoce ha sido afectado por violencia, acoso, agresión o abuso sexual? ¿Necesita hablar con alguien que pueda ayudar?
Llame al 215-985-3333 ahora para hablar con un especialista en agresión sexual de WOAR. Podemos ayudar. Todo lo que tienes que hacer es llamar.
The Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a vibrant and colorful holiday that honors the deceased. Celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd, it is a time when families gather to remember their loved ones who have passed away, and to help them journey back to the world of the living. While the holiday involves rituals such as building private altars, cleaning and decorating graves, and preparing elaborate meals, it is not a time of mourning. Rather, it is a celebration of life, with parades, music, dancing, and other festivities. Although Day of the Dead is predominantly associated with Mexico, other countries, even those outside Latin America, also celebrate their own versions of the holiday. Perhaps what makes the Day of the Dead so unique is its blending of indigenous Aztec traditions with Catholicism, resulting in a rich and meaningful cultural expression.
¿Usted o alguien que conoce ha sido afectado por violencia, acoso, agresión o abuso sexual? ¿Necesita hablar con alguien que pueda ayudar?
Llame al 215-985-3333 ahora para hablar con un especialista en agresión sexual de WOAR. Podemos ayudar. Todo lo que tienes que hacer es llamar.
Top 5 Safety Precautions for Adults at Halloween
1. Be aware of overdrinking. Take it slow. Don`t feel like you have to chug your drink. If you drink alcohol, drink water in between drinks.
2. Don`t drink and drive. It’s no secret that getting an Uber or a Lyft on Halloween night can be a hassle. Everyone is out, and you could be stuck waiting for a car to pick up your request. While this may be inconvenient, it`s not worth getting behind the wheel if you`re intoxicated. 44% of fatal crashes on Halloween weekend involved someone who was intoxicated. Also consider, planning your rides ahead of going out.
3. Use the buddy system. Always leave the party or event with the same people you came with. Even if you aren’t drinking at a party, you must stick with at least one person you know. That way, you can look out for each other and ensure the other is safe.
4. Sleep is still important. There’s a lot of pressure to go all out on Halloween so just remember that it’s okay to not give 100% all the time. Don’t forget to take time to eat, sleep, and check in with yourself to ensure you are doing well mentally and physically.
5. Choose visibility over cuteness. Everyone wants to look their best, but wearing six-inch platform heels to a party where you plan to drink may not be the safest idea. Long cloaks, high-heeled shoes, masks, and other costume staples look great but can also be hazardous. As someone who has witnessed many people fall onto the sidewalk due to their costumes, I can attest that this is an important reminder.
Overall, Halloween weekend is fun and you should enjoy yourself to the fullest. Don’t stress about what other people are doing or wearing. As long as you enjoy yourself and stay safe, that’s all that matters. Have a fun and safe Halloween!
And if you need us, we are here for you. Call anytime 215-985-3333.
Top 5 Safety Precautions for Adults at Halloween
1. Be aware of overdrinking. Take it slow. Don`t feel like you have to chug your drink. If you drink alcohol, drink water in between drinks.
2. Don`t drink and drive. It’s no secret that getting an Uber or a Lyft on Halloween night can be a hassle. Everyone is out, and you could be stuck waiting for a car to pick up your request. While this may be inconvenient, it`s not worth getting behind the wheel if you`re intoxicated. 44% of fatal crashes on Halloween weekend involved someone who was intoxicated. Also consider, planning your rides ahead of going out.
3. Use the buddy system. Always leave the party or event with the same people you came with. Even if you aren’t drinking at a party, you must stick with at least one person you know. That way, you can look out for each other and ensure the other is safe.
4. Sleep is still important. There’s a lot of pressure to go all out on Halloween so just remember that it’s okay to not give 100% all the time. Don’t forget to take time to eat, sleep, and check in with yourself to ensure you are doing well mentally and physically.
5. Choose visibility over cuteness. Everyone wants to look their best, but wearing six-inch platform heels to a party where you plan to drink may not be the safest idea. Long cloaks, high-heeled shoes, masks, and other costume staples look great but can also be hazardous. As someone who has witnessed many people fall onto the sidewalk due to their costumes, I can attest that this is an important reminder.
Overall, Halloween weekend is fun and you should enjoy yourself to the fullest. Don’t stress about what other people are doing or wearing. As long as you enjoy yourself and stay safe, that’s all that matters. Have a fun and safe Halloween!
And if you need us, we are here for you. Call anytime 215-985-3333.
🎃 Happy Halloween! 🎃 Swipe ➡️ for some reminders about how to respect others no matter what costume they`re wearing and intervene if something goes wrong or becomes the wrong kind of scary. Pass it on - let`s all work together to make Philadelphia safer. Have a safe and 👻spooky👻 time!
🎃 Happy Halloween! 🎃 Swipe ➡️ for some reminders about how to respect others no matter what costume they`re wearing and intervene if something goes wrong or becomes the wrong kind of scary. Pass it on - let`s all work together to make Philadelphia safer. Have a safe and 👻spooky👻 time!
