Philadelphia’s only rape crisis center—WOAR, now known as the Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence—has been forced to pause services indefinitely. Why? Because Pennsylvania legislators have failed to pass a state budget.

Because of political gridlock in Harrisburg, survivors of sexual violence in one of the nation’s largest cities have lost access to 24/7 hotline support, court and medical advocacy, trauma therapy, and school-based prevention programs. This is not just a bureaucratic issue—it’s a moral failure that endangers lives.

WOAR is not a luxury. It’s a lifeline. Over 1,700 people called their crisis hotline this year alone. More than 2,000 new clients came through their doors. Thousands more were reached through prevention education. Now all of it is gone—not because the need disappeared, but because lawmakers didn’t do their jobs.

The Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR) has asked for a modest $8 million increase in statewide rape crisis funding—a budget line that hasn’t increased in over five years. Instead of honoring that request, survivors and staff are being punished for a political standoff that has dragged on for more than three months.

This moment demands action. Survivors deserve better. Staff members who’ve dedicated their lives to this work deserve security. And Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve a government that meets basic responsibilities—like funding essential services that protect public health and safety.

We call on State Senate Republicans, the State House, and Governor Josh Shapiro to immediately resolve the budget impasse and fully fund rape crisis services across Pennsylvania, including the requested increase.

Every day without services is another day survivors are left without support. Healing cannot wait.

Sign this petition to demand that Pennsylvania lawmakers stop playing politics with people’s lives. Restore funding. Reopen WOAR.