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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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“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 staff will be at Jefferson University’s Center City Campus with a table where we’ll share information and connect with Jefferson University students and community members. If you are nearby, come out and join WOAR to support survivors! Be sure to stop by our table to say hello!
Wednesday, April 15 at 1pm, meet us online for Shared Safety`s Lunch & Learn webinar on Sexual Assault Resources in Philadelphia. Hear from professionals at @jjpinstitute, @woarphila, @philachildrensalliance, and @psarc_sane to learn about the medical resources, counseling, and social service supports for survivors. Our acting Executive Director, LaQuisha Anthony, will be speaking. You don’t want to miss this! Register at bit.ly/SAAMPHL or visit the link in our bio.
Walk A Mile In Their Shoes raises awareness about the complexities of sexual violence and the healing journey of survivors. “In Their Shoes” reflects the reality that sexual violence affects women, men, people who identify as non-binary, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Hosted by Jefferson University`s Title IX office. Come out and join WOAR to support survivors, walk with purpose, and take a visible step against sexual violence.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month brought national attention to this movement.
Here in Pennsylvania, that movement lives in every community through rape crisis centers, advocates, and survivors who continue to lead the way. From changing laws to building support systems, advocates worked to create a world where survivors are believed, supported, and protected.
Today, we carry that work forward with a clear focus by turning awareness into action. Because every conversation, every act of support, and every step toward prevention makes a difference.
My name is LaQuisha Anthony, I am the acting Executive Director of WOAR Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence. I`m an advocate for survivors, and as Shirley Ralph said, I know where my voice comes from, and I won`t stop using it for this cause.
Thank you to Councilmember Ahmad for introducing this resolution in regard to Sexual Assault Awareness Month, SAAM, and we also are celebrating the 25th anniversary of SAAM.
Each day, we support survivors across Philadelphia through our 24/7 hotline, court accompaniment and counseling. We see both profound harm and remarkable resilience. According to Philadelphia police data, reported sexual assault has increased nearly 16% since 2014, with 126 rapes reported so far in 2026.
These are not just numbers; they represent people’s lives. This resolution affirms that our city stands with survivors, and we urge its adoption and continued investment in survivor services. Sustainable funding and strong partnerships are essential to building a safer city.
To the survivors who are here today, we see you, we believe you and we’re here for you. Thank you.
Thank you to the 40+ Double Dutch Club for joining us on Teal Day! They brought so much joy, energy, and fun to the day. 😀
Yesterday, we had an amazing Teal Day! We came together with our partners from the Philadelphia Office of Domestic Violence Strategy, City government, our Community Partners, and the people of Philadelphia to show our TEAL in solidarity and support for survivors of sexual violence. We also shared a curated moment of joy and nostalgia with the 40+ Double Dutch Club!
Thank you to the people of Philadelphia who came out to show their support for survivors, as well as to our partners from City government and our Community Partners.
Dr. Nina Ahmad introduced the resolution declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in celebration of 25 years of SAAM. We appreciate the longstanding partnership and support of Councilperson Nina Ahmad and her staff, who are true legislative champions for survivors in Philadelphia.
Quinn represented WOAR at the University of Pennsylvania’s Take Back the Night campaign, where they hosted a resource table in support of survivors and helped share information with students and community members.
This important event brought the campus together through a rally, march, resource fair, and candlelight vigil to raise awareness about sexual violence, stand in solidarity with survivors, and remind everyone that campuses and communities should be safe and supportive spaces.
The anti-sexual violence movement began with people who refused to stay silent.
In the 1970s, survivors and advocates spoke out and built some of the first systems of support in the Nation. Our state was led by organizations like WOAR (Women Organized Against Rape) in Philadelphia, founded in 1971 (slide 3!), and the Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR), founded in 1972.
This hard work, through a grassroots movement by local activists and volunteers, led to the creation of PCAR in 1975, forming a statewide network dedicated to survivors
This is where our work begins.
Awareness is where it starts. Action is what creates change.
Sexual violence affects every community, and ending it takes all of us. Today, WOAR is calling on you to take one step. Speak up. Challenge harmful narratives. Support survivors. Be part of the change.
Because when we shift the conversation, we shift what’s possible.
What action will you take today?
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Join us on Thursday, April 9 in Love Park at 1:15 p.m. for a group picture for Teal Day. Wear something teal, the color of sexual assault prevention and intervention as we show solidarity with survivors of sexual assault.
If you or someone you know needs help after sexual assault, call the @woarphila 24/7 Hotline at 215-985-3333.
WOAR was glad to be part of ConsentFest on April 1 at Temple University’s Bell Tower, 1210 Polett Walk. This campus event celebrated consent, healthy relationships, and sexual health, and WOAR staff were there to share information and connect with students and community members.
