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Recognizing April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Celebrating the Extraordinary Efforts of WOAR - Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence.
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WHEREAS, since 2001, April has been observed as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This observed month is part of an annual campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence; and
WHEREAS, in Philadelphia, it is widely recognized that only about one-third of sexual assaults are reported to police, meaning the true scope of violence in our communities is significantly greater than what is reflected in official reports; and
WHEREAS, according to Philadelphia Police Department crime statistics, reported sexual assaults have increased by nearly 16% since 2024, with 126 rapes reported thus far in 2026; and
WHEREAS, these numbers represent more than statistics, they reflect the lived experiences of survivors, families, and communities impacted by sexual violence; and
WHEREAS, this reality calls for continued investment in prevention, survivor-centered services, and a collective commitment to accountability, awareness, and justice; and
WHEREAS, 1 in 4 women are survivors of sexual violence, 1 in 10 children are survivors of sexual violence, and 1 in 6 men are survivors of sexual violence. Sexual assault continues to be one of the most underreported crimes, with a disproportionate impact on marginalized and underserved communities; and
WHEREAS, on average, there are 443,635 victims (age 12 or older) of rape and sexual assault each year in the United States. Every 98 seconds someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted; and
WHEREAS, throughout the last twenty years this country has made great strides in bringing awareness to survivors of sexual assault. Historically, we have seen a culture that has been marked by veil, secrecy, and silence. Today we see a culture that is marked with empowerment, activism, and courage; and
WHEREAS, WOAR - Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence (WOAR) is a non-profit organization whose 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. Founded in 1971, WOAR is Philadelphia’s only rape crisis center and one of the first in the nation; and
WHEREAS, WOAR serves individuals from across the City. In FY 2025 alone, WOAR served 5,219 direct services clients including adults and children, of that 2,549 were hotline calls, 2,325 new clients, 204 Medical advocacy provided and 141 Court accompaniment provided. Additionally, WOAR provided in-school prevention workshops to 6,724 school-aged children in Philadelphia, as well as 480 workshops to 1098 adult community members and city professionals; and
WHEREAS, LaQuisha S. Anthony is a nationally certified advocate, educator, author, and visionary leader dedicated to advancing justice, healing, and survivor-centered support systems, and serves as the Executive Director of WOAR - Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence; and her extensive experience in survivor advocacy and gender-based violence programs has informed her leadership in advancing public policy, coordinating initiatives, and creating spaces that center survivor voices; and over nearly a decade of transformative leadership within the organization, she has helped shape its strategic direction, strengthen community partnerships, and expand survivor-centered programming; and her work reflects a deep commitment to equity, accountability, and empowering communities impacted by sexual violence; and
WHEREAS, teal is the color chosen to represent and raise awareness for sexual assault survivors. WOAR is encouraging individuals across the City to wear something teal to show your support for victims of sexual violence and for those working to end violence in our homes, community, and nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, hereby recognizes April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and celebrate the extraordinary efforts of WOAR - Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Executive Director LaQuisha S. Anthony and Staff in sincere gratitude for their tireless work.
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