Dear Friends,
It is with deep regret and a heavy heart that we announce a layoff at WOAR Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, Philadelphia’s ONLY rape crisis center.
We have served as a critical lifeline for survivors of sexual assault across our community for over 50 years. Due in large part to the ongoing state budget impasse, our ability to provide essential crisis response, counseling, advocacy, education, and support services has been severely impacted. These services are vital to the well-being of our most vulnerable populations, and the decision to reduce our staff has been incredibly difficult. We understand the hardship this will cause, particularly for those who rely on us day in and day out.
This layoff is not a decision we made lightly. Survivors of sexual violence depend on immediate and confidential access to trained advocates and safe spaces. This devastating disruption leaves survivors without access to critical 24/7 hotline services, therapy and counseling, court and medical accompaniment, and advocacy, and it leaves the community without prevention education services.
Without these services, survivors face increased risks of isolation, traumatization, and barriers to healing and justice. The gap left by this layoff affects not only survivors, but also hospitals, law enforcement, schools, and community partners who rely on our expertise and services.
For decades, our staff have stood beside survivors in hospitals, courtrooms, and community spaces, offering expertise and compassion in moments of crisis. The layoff not only strips survivors of these life-saving services but also means the loss of jobs for our dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly to provide safety, healing, and hope.
Survivors and staff alike now bear the burden of political inaction. Every day without services is a day that survivors are left unsupported and staff are left searching for certainty about their futures. The need has not ceased. Healing cannot wait. Survivors deserve better, and team members deserve security. Our office is committed to working with all parties involved to find a solution, and we remain hopeful that a resolution will be reached in the near future.
In the meantime, we urge policymakers, partners, and community members to stand with survivors and demand a swift resolution to the budget crisis that jeopardizes care and safety. We will continue to keep the public informed and provide any available resources to those affected by this layoff. We remain committed to our mission and hope to resume services as soon as resources allow.
For those individuals and corporations alike, who are in a position to give, the time could not be any more critical and I implore you to consider a donation today.
Together, we must find a way forward that ensures the continued support and care our community needs and deserves.
Kind regards,
Joanne R. Strauss, Esquire
President, Board of Directors
WOAR – Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence
