Recent events at Cornell University have brought sexual violence back into the news. Many survivors and their loved ones may be feeling triggered or activated by what they’re seeing in their feeds and on the news. These feelings are real, valid, and appropriate. 

It’s important to remember that, while these feelings may make you think you are alone, you are not alone. Support exists for people who have experienced sexual violence, either immediately after or long afterward. This blog post has information on how to access those resources. 

But first, let’s talk about the problem. 

How common is sexual violence? 

One in five women in the US has experienced a completed or attempted rape during their lifetime. And 81% of women and 43% of men reported experiencing sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime. 

Let’s state it plainly. While sexual violence is NEVER okay, it is common.

An estimated 440,000 people are raped or sexually assaulted each year in the U.S. 

Sexual assault is not something that people just get over, either. Nearly half of all survivors report experiencing severe social and emotional distress because of the assault, and that trauma almost always lasts for more than a month. 

Frequently, hearing about situations that are similar to their own assault can lead survivors to relive their trauma and experience all of the pain and distress they felt before. 

What is sexual violence? 

Sexual violence is what we call any of a range of harmful acts that violate a person’s autonomy and safety. It can include physical violence, but it doesn’t only mean that. Sexual violence can mean anything from online harassment all the way to rape. 

It’s important to remember that anyone can be a victim of sexual violence. It doesn’t matter what your gender is, what your sexual orientation is, your age, your race, your disability, your religion, or anything else about you. Sexual violence is wrong, always. And it’s never your fault. 

Sometimes it can feel hard to know if you have experienced sexual violence, but your gut feeling that something doesn’t feel right is an important clue. 

What to do if you’ve been a victim of sexual violence

Not everyone reacts to surviving sexual violence the same. Their lives are different, their needs are different, and their fears are different. There is no “right” way to react after being assaulted. 

The City and the Health Department manage the Philadelphia Sexual Assault Resource Center, or PSARC. PSARC is designed to make sure that people have a safe place to go to on one of the worst days of their lives. A place that provides support, care, and options. 

PSARC is located at 300 E. Hunting Park Ave, 19124. They have special nurses called Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, or SANEs. SANEs are highly-trained nurses with years of experience who provide compassionate, survivor-centered care to sexual assault survivors. They are available, on-call, 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Call 215-425-1625 to speak to an on-call SANE. PSARC can also request accompaniment services provided by an advocate at the WOAR-Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence. 

PSARC is located in the same building as the Police Department’s Special Victims Unit. But it’s important to know that people who go to PSARC DO NOT need to file a police report. You can keep your information anonymous and decide later if you want to file a report. 

If you can’t make it to PSARC, your nearest hospital can also perform forensic sexual assault examinations. 

What if you need to talk to someone? 

In Philadelphia, there are ways for survivors to get support. 

WOAR-Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, which used to be called Women Organized Against Rape, has advocates available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 215-985-3333 to speak with an advocate. 

You can also contact RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 800-656-4763, texting HOPE to 64673, or using RAINN’s webchat. 

Are there legal protections for survivors?

There are many agencies in Philadelphia that can help survivors who are looking for legal protection from perpetrators, and/or may need help enforcing housing and employment protections. 

Survivors in Philadelphia are protected by federal, state, and local laws about domestic violence and sexual assault. 

Survivors of domestic and sexual violence have the right to end a lease early due to violence. 

Survivors of domestic and sexual violence cannot be evicted or discriminated against by a landlord for being survivors of domestic violence.  

Survivors of domestic and sexual violence can take unpaid leave due from their job due to domestic or sexual violence. 

The agencies below can provide more information and assistance:  

  • Women Against Abuse Legal Center
  • 215-686-7082
  • Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Free legal advice, advocacy, and representation for low-income survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault 
  • Philadelphia Legal Assistance 
  • 215-981-3838 
  • Phone intake hours, Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – noon 
  • Free legal advice, advocacy, and representation for low-income survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault 
  • SeniorLAW Center 
  • 877-727-7529
  • Phone intake hours, Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – noon
  • Free legal advice, advocacy, and representation for low-income survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault age 60+ 
  • Legal Clinic for the Disabled
  • 215-587-3158, Option 2
  • Helpline open for voicemails, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Free legal advice, advocacy, and representation for low-income survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault with disabilities 

 

Learn more about the Philadelphia Sexual Assault Resource Center.