About WOAR

WOARRIORS, Together We End Sexual Violence.

WOAR is a non-profit organization in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sexual violence thrives in a society rooted in systemic oppression. WOAR’s mission is to eliminate all forms of sexual violence through specialized treatment services, comprehensive prevention education programs, and advocacy for the rights of victims of sexual assault. To accomplish this mission, we fight all forms of oppression including racism and gender-based violence.

Both COVID-19 and the global movement for racial equity following the murders of unarmed Black people have underscored the importance of community and the change that needs to occur as we move forward together.

All of WOAR’s services are free.

WOAR-Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, formerly known as Women Organized Against Rape, was founded in 1971 and incorporated in 1973. WOAR is Philadelphia’s only rape crisis center and one of the first in the nation. Over the years the organization has grown from a group of volunteers working in a small room of a hospital to an organization that touches individuals across the city. Click here to view more about our history.

WOAR’s services include:

Direct Services Department (Survivor Services)

  • WOAR’s 24-Hour Crisis Hotline
  • Bi-lingual/Bi-cultural individual therapy to survivors and their loved ones
  • Group therapy to victims/survivors
  • Forensic exam accompaniment
  • Court accompaniment
  • Direct Services are offered for free to all Survivors of Sexual Harassment, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault, and Sex Trafficking/ Commercial Sexual Exploitation

Education & Outreach Department

  • Provides trainings within schools, social service organizations, and the community at large
  • Specializes in working within the Latino communities of Philadelphia

Includes specialized programs:

  • Healthy Masculinity Initiative
  • Safe Bars Philly (These training are not free; for more information, please click the link)
  • lotus Program

Volunteer & Internship Program

WOAR also has a volunteer and internship program where adults can help us respond to hotline calls, provide medical accompaniment and work with in the community.

Please explore our website to learn more about sexual violence and the array of services that WOAR can provide to survivors, family members and the community.