About WOAR

About WOAR – Together We End Sexual Violence.

We are WOARRIORS.

WOAR is the oldest and largest rape crisis center in the state of Pennsylvania. WOAR serves the Philadelphia community. 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.

WOAR Impact Graphic 2022

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:

Survivor Services

  • WOAR’s 24-Hour Crisis Hotline
  • Bi-lingual/Bi-cultural individual therapy for survivors and their loved ones
  • Group therapy for victims/survivors
  • Forensic exam accompaniment
  • Court accompaniment
  • Direct Services are offered for free to all survivors of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, sexual assault, sex trafficking, human trafficking, and commercial sexual exploitation

Education & Outreach

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

Specialized Programs

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

Volunteer Program & Internship Program

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