WOAR: Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence
Philadelphia Bar Foundation Grant Impact
For over 46 years, WOAR has been dedicated to eliminating all forms of sexual violence. WOAR provides a variety of programs and support services to victims and survivors. Support from the Philadelphia Bar Foundation allows WOAR to continue their court advocacy program. This program provides needed crisis intervention to sexual assault survivors during the preliminary hearing and trail processes. WOAR’s Court Advocates provide direct, long term comprehensive services addressing problems such as mental health issues, access to medical care, emergency housing, and drug addiction. All of which can prohibit a survivor’s participation in the criminal justice system. The Philadelphia Bar Foundation is one of the only funding sources for general operating support that can maintain programs like this, ensuring that Philadelphia’s sexual assault survivors receive the support they need and deserve.
Summary List of Programs and Services
Counseling Services: Crisis, Adults, Teens, Children, Family Support
Prevention Education: Professional Development, Parent Training, Title IX Training, Psychoeducational Groups, Children & Youth Workshops
Community Outreach: Latino Community Outreach Department, Professional Development, Community Trainings
Summary List of Priorities for Client Intake
Sexual violence includes sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape/date rape, and incest. WOAR’s specially trained Hotline crisis counselors provide support, answer questions, and can provide referral guidance to the right services.
It doesn’t matter if the sexual violence happened a few hours ago, or 40 years ago. Regardless of gender or disability, anyone who has experienced this type of trauma (or is concerned about someone who has) may call WOAR’s Hotline.
Our Hotline staff also explain and coordinate requests from Philadelphia residents for free WOAR services: trauma-focused counseling, court accompaniment, and a wide array of education/prevention services.