PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Last year, 1,569 sexual assaults and rapes were reported in Philadelphia. Victims advocates say that number is down from the 2019. According to a national survey, 66% of sexual crimes go unreported, and the pandemic has made it even harder for victims to get help.
“In communities and areas where you see an increase in gun violence and other forms of violence, you’ll also see an increase in sexual violence,” said Monique Howard, executive director of WOAR Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence.
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She says the group has seen a decrease in the number of calls to their hotline, while seeing an uptick in use of chat and text support. That allows victims to covertly report abuse.
“People are quarantined, potentially, with the person who is abusing them, but our volunteers are providing the same level of support through the chat,” she explained.
“With the closure of schools, churches or even work spaces, that took away some of the only safe havens that were available,” says Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw.
She added that the city saw eight domestic violence homicides last year, but that number is already at 11 in 2021.
Outlaw says the department has rolled out virtual events to raise awareness about resources and services available to prevent violence before it happens.
“The safety ... of community both on the street and in the home is a top priority,” she says.
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Throughout the month of April, WOAR and community partners will hold a series of events, including the Virtual Sing Out Loud, Singing for Survival on April 22 at 5:30 p.m.
In addition, WOAR is conducting a survey to identify the needs and challenges of sexual assault survivors and to identify potential obstacles or gaps in response to survivor services in Philadelphia.
If you or someone you know needs support for sexual or domestic violence, call 215-985-3333 or visit WOAR online.