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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.
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Help for LGBTQIA+ victims/survivors
of sexual assault. It can get better.
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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 hiring for SAGE Counselor, Counselor, and Lead Advocate! Join us in supporting and advocating for survivors of sexual violence. Apply today at https://www.woar.org/join-our-team/
It is a privilege to celebrate WOAR`s incredible Senior Manager of Advocacy, LaQuisha Anthony, for being honored by the DA`s office at their annual Healing Philly Awards! In recognition of National Crime Victims` Right`s Week, LaQuisha has been recognized as the recipient of the Healing Philly through Community award.
Described by the DA`s office "This recognition is a testament to LaQuisha`s outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to the mission of victim services. Her dedication, hard work, and professional integrity have significantly contributed to the success of our [the DA`s office] organization. She embodies the ideals of an exemplary public servant through her steadfast approach to delivering high-quality work while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism."
Become an advocate. WOAR was born through the efforts of volunteers. Join our volunteer support team!
Volunteer on WOAR`s 24/7 crisis hotline or at the Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center. WOAR holds two training sessions annually to become a certified Sexual Assault Counselor in Pennsylvania. This training will prepare you to provide crucial support to individuals who have experienced sexual violence as well as advocating for survivors who are seeking medical attention. Volunteers must be 18 years or older.
August SAC: Applications close by June 1st
January SAC: Applications close by November 1st
Apply online at https://tinyurl.com/WOARVolunteer
Mother’s Day can be beautiful—and painful—for survivors. Whether you`re a mother, hope to be one, or are healing from loss, you deserve compassion, safety, and support.
WOAR`s free, trauma-informed hotline offers survivors support any day, any time—including children and families. We see you. We believe you. You are not alone.
Call or text 215-985-3333 – even holidays. (always confidential)
Last week, WOAR`s management team traveled to Hershey, PA to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the PCAR! 🎉
It was an inspiring event honoring decades of advocacy, progress, and collective commitment to ending sexual violence.
Swipe to see our Interim Executive Consultant Dr. Indira M. Henard alongside PCAR’s CEO Yolanda Edrington — two powerful leaders working to create lasting change. 💜
Yesterday, WOAR and other community organizations joined @phillyodvs for a Denim Day group photo at LOVE Park. 💙 Every day — and especially on #DenimDay — we stand together to raise awareness about sexual violence, challenge harmful myths, and support survivors everywhere. We believe, we support, and we speak up. #saam2025
Special thanks to @cmninaahmad for continuously showing up for survivors across Philadelphia. Your dedication and recognition of this work does not go unnoticed — we appreciate you!
Today, alongside Denim Day, we celebrate a major milestone. 50 years of advocacy, resilience, and impact. PCAR has led the fight to end sexual violence and support survivors across Pennsylvania. Congratulations @pcar_org and thank you for your unwavering dedication to this work 💜 #PCAR50 #SAAM2025
This Wednesday, April 30th, is #DenimDay - a reminder that what someone wears is never an invitation for violence. WOAR invites you to wear denim in solidarity with survivors. What we wear should never determine how we`re treated. 💙 #SAAM2025
Image Description- A denim fabric background covers the screen. In a bold white text at the top it quotes "Take a Stand" in a smaller yellow font it says, "Wear Denim on April 30th to take a stand against victim blaming, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse." Then below that in a teal box it reads National Denim Day.
Sexual violence can affect anyone, but systemic oppression increases the risk for marginalized communities. From sex trafficking to abuse within intimate partnerships, the statistics highlight a pattern of exploitation targeting those with fewer resources and less power.
At @woarphila, we are committed to ending sexual violence by providing specialized treatment, prevention education, and advocacy—fighting for the rights of all survivors, especially those most at risk.✊🏾✊🏿✊🏼✊🏽✊🏻
Together, we can create a safer world by addressing the root causes of sexual violence and supporting those affected.💙💜
#SAAM2025 #SupportSurvivors #EndSexualViolence #SexualAssaultAwareness
Image description:
Slides include a light-blue background with a soft overlay of pinkish-purple.
Slide 1: Sexual Violence and Increased Risk for Marginalized Communities.
A horizontal row of diverse figures positioned along the bottom edge of the image.
Slide 2: Sexual violence can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, sexual orientation, or economic status. However, certain groups of people are more vulnerable and face increased risk to violence.
Let’s look at how specific groups experience sexual violence differently.
Slide 3:
40% of confirmed sex trafficking survivors in the U.S. are African-American
Native Americans are at the greatest risk of sexual violence out of all racial groups
LGBTQ+ people are nearly 4x more likely to experience violent crimes including sexual assault than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts
Transgender individuals are nearly 4x more likely to experience sexual violence than cisgender individuals
continued image description in replies!
Earlier this week, WOAR hosted our Teal Reception in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The event brought together our dedicated team of advocates, Board of Directors, and local community partners — all united in support of our mission.
We were honored to hear from a powerful lineup of speakers, including @shariea_shoatz from WOAR’s Survivor Advocate Program, Interim Executive Director Dr. Indira Henard, Councilmembers @cmninaahmad and @nicorourkephl, Representative Morgan Cephas, and @phillyodvs
Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to stand with survivors during #SAAM2025 and all throughout the year
As SAAM continues on we have a few words from WOAR`s Interim Executive Director, Dr. Indira M. Henard. Know that as WOAR continues our work we remember that to truly support survivors, we must confront the systems that harm them. Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, religious discrimination, and all forms of oppression have no space in gender-based violence work. #saam2025 #SupportSurvivors #intersectionaljustice
💙 Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a time to amplify voices and spread awareness about the reality of sexual violence. Every 68 seconds, someone is sexually assaulted in the U.S. Let’s join together to create safer communities and support survivors.
💜 If you or someone you know was assaulted, please seek help—whether it’s from a trusted person or a hotline. You are never alone.
📞 WOAR 24-hour Hotline: 215-985-3333
You are believed. You are valid. You matter.
#SAAM2025 #EndSexualViolence
Image description: Dark teal-blue background with text overlayed.
Slide 1: Every 68 seconds, a U.S. resident is sexually assaulted.
Slide 2: What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault happens when someone intentionally touches another person sexually without their consent, or coerces a person to engage in a sexual act without their consent.
Forms of sexual assault include: Rape or attempted rape
Fondling or unwanted sexual touching
Forcing someone to perform sexual acts
Slide 3: Who is sexually assaulted?
According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (2018):
1 in 6 women experienced sexual coercion and 1 in 5 women experienced completed or attempted rape in their lifetime.
1 in 10 men experienced sexual coercion and 1 in 14 men were made to penetrate someone during their lifetime.
Slide 4: Increased risk for marginalized communities: LGBTQ+ people are nearly 4x more likely to experience violent crimes including sexual assault than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts.
People with disabilities are over 2x more likely to experience violent crimes like sexual assault. Native American women are twice as likely to experience sexual assault compared to all other races.
More than 2 in 5 Black women have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime
Slide 5: If you or someone you know was assaulted:
Get to a safe place and/or call a trusted person to help you.
WOAR 24-hour hotline: 215-985-3333
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Slide 6: REMEMBER
You are not alone. What happened is not your fault, and there are people who care about you and believe you
