Philadelphia’s only rape crisis center will reduce staff but continue offering limited services due to the ongoing state budget impasse.

The Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, commonly known by its former name, Women Organized Against Rape (WOAR), is set to continue providing essential services despite facing significant staffing reductions due to an ongoing state budget impasse. The crisis center, which has been a crucial support resource for survivors of sexual violence since its establishment in 1971, recently announced layoffs that have severely impacted its operational capacity.

Gabriella Fontan, the newly appointed executive director of WOAR, confirmed that critical services such as crisis counseling, court accompaniment, and advocacy through the Survivor Advocacy Program will persist “without interruption.” This assurance follows the recent layoff notifications issued to many employees, with their last working day being last Friday. While a limited number of staff members, interns, and volunteers remain to support the center’s 24/7 hotline, staffing shortages may require the use of external agencies to handle calls during off-peak hours, particularly overnight and on weekends.

The center will continue to provide counseling and therapy services until at least October 17, a timeframe that may still be subject to change as the state budget crisis lingers. The Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR), which provides funding to WOAR, along with many other rape crisis centers across the state, is facing challenges due to the delay in budget passage by Harrisburg lawmakers, which has now surpassed three months.

Joanne Strauss, president of WOAR’s board of directors, emphasized the dire implications of these funding cuts, stating that the organization’s ability to deliver essential crisis response and advocacy services is being “severely impacted.” This disruption jeopardizes not only immediate support for sexual assault survivors but also broader community education and prevention initiatives.

Amid these challenges, the center has launched a social media campaign titled “Bridging The Gap,” aiming to mobilize community support. WOAR is encouraging the public to contact local representatives and contribute financially to maintain its services. Despite the outpouring of community support, concerns remain about how the center can sustain its programs under constrained resources, as the majority of its staff has been laid off.

In Pennsylvania, rape crisis centers collectively support approximately 27,000 individuals affected by sexual violence each year. Experts warn that disruptions in service delivery can have a significant ripple effect on the mental well-being and recovery of survivors. Mariah Gallagher, a trauma therapist, highlighted that the unavailability of services not only limits immediate support but also restricts access to long-term healing resources for survivors.

In response to the crisis facing WOAR, neighboring organizations and advocates have organized events to call attention to the pressing need for funding restoration. Local initiatives, such as a march organized by Drexel University’s sexual education group, aim to galvanize public support and push for renewed financial commitment to the region’s critical sexual violence resources.

While the City of Philadelphia does not offer direct support services for survivors, city officials have expressed concern over WOAR’s situation and are exploring avenues to bridge support resources for those affected. Communication between city leaders and WOAR continues, with a shared commitment to ensuring that survivors have access to essential support services during this tumultuous period.