PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The ongoing state budget impasse is forcing WOAR, Philadelphia’s only rape crisis center, to cut staff by over half along with ending or curtailing critical services that aid survivors of sexual assault.
WOAR Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence receives about 75% of its funding from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, but with no money being released by PCAR due to the budget stalemate, their advocacy work has taken a big hit.
“We have not been paid over the last three months, which has impacted how we can continue to make payroll and provide the equitable services that we do for the survivors of Philadelphia,” says LaQueisha Anthony, senior manager of advocacy at WOAR, adding, “Because we are the only rape crisis center in Philadelphia, the loss or the reduction of our services could be detrimental to the people we serve, and then to the city of Philadelphia.”
Joanne Strauss, president of the board of directors at WOAR, said the decision wasn’t made lightly. In a statement, she said in part, “Survivors of sexual violence depend on immediate and confidential access to trained advocates and safe spaces. This devastating disruption leaves survivors without access to critical 24/7 hotline services, therapy and counseling, court and medical accompaniment, and advocacy, and it leaves the community without prevention education services.”
She continued, “Without these services, survivors face increased risks of isolation, traumatization, and barriers to healing and justice. The gap left by this layoff affects not only survivors, but also hospitals, law enforcement, schools, and community partners who rely on our expertise and services.”
WOAR is scaling back those services and will now have limited court advocacy, limited crisis counseling, as well as a hotline that will no longer be operational 24 hours a day.
Advocates from WOAR will no longer be present to offer emotional support when victims undergo forensic exams, also known as rape kits, which are administered by Pennsylvania Sexual Assault Response Center. WOAR was dedicated to having an advocate available for each victim to help them understand the exam, and offer much needed guidance and a bit of comfort during a time when they already feel violated and at their most vulnerable.
“Just to be that validating voice, in person, in this space, to know that they're getting ready to do something that will be even more traumatic for them, because most times when people are getting a rape kit done, it's not something that's not re-traumatizing for them.” Anthony said.
The reduction of services will be complete by Friday, Oct. 17. Even if the budget passes soon, Anthony said too much damage has been done and there is no guarantee they would be able to attract the dynamic, dedicated team to return. She said replacing them would take time and that not everyone is cut out for this specialized work.
“I'm not sure we'll be the same individuals who are so caring and patient and kind to our clients, and who just really had the passion and zeal for this work,” Anthony said.