All resources have their drawbacks. No center or space aligns perfectly with victim-centered practices or an awareness of marginalizing identities. However, if you are seeking support in the wake of an assault, these organizations can still provide assistance.
On Campus
Penn Women’s Center (PWC): Confidential and non-confidential resources. Provides education, advocacy, counseling, and co-facilitates a group for survivors. PWC can provide assistance to victims navigating the resources available. Note: a history of transmisogyny in programming and administrative choices; a current student employee named in an unresolved allegation of sexual misconduct.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Center (LGBT Center): Confidential and non-confidential resources, especially designed for those who are not cisgender or heterosexual. Can provide assistance to victims navigating the resources available.
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS): Mental Health Services, including therapy, psychiatric assistance, and group. Note: very disparate understandings and awareness of trauma, racism, class positioning as mental health triggers.
Student Health Services (SHS): Can provide evaluations and treatment for victims. Providers can perform examinations, provide testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, provide emergency contraception, and arrange for referrals. Note: SHS cannot collect a rape kit, but can arrange for you to be transported to receive one. Lab fees are waived for sexual assault victims.
Title 9 Office: A non-confidential resource that exists to investigate claims of sexual misconduct against faculty, students, and staff. Can enforce consequences such as expulsion and suspension. Requires hearings. Note: can be extremely triggering and ineffective, insensitive to intersecting identities, and cisheteronormative.
Restorative Practices at Penn: If you choose to pursue a restorative practice, you will also be able to reach an enforceable agreement without engaging in hearings or cross-examinations. The RP@P Office is organized under Title 9. It is a relatively new office with little known about the outcomes.
In Philadelphia:
William Way Community Center: Provides programming for intimate violence prevention and awareness, oriented at LGBT individuals. Peer counseling available.
Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence: Formerly known as Women Organized Against Rape, WOAR offers a 24-hour confidential hotline as well as crisis counseling, court and hospital appointments, long-term counseling and support groups, and support groups for victims.
Women in Transition: Offers free and confidential services to the Philadelphia region, including telephone and crisis counseling, peer support groups, individual empowerment counseling, and self-defense classes.
Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline: Provides 24-hour crisis response. Can connect callers with shelter access, counseling services, and other resources.
Women Against Abuse Legal Center: Provides legal assistance and representation for victims of domestic violence. Can assist with filing restraining orders.
Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center: provides forensic medical exams and treatment for sexual assault. Note: Requires a police escort but not an appointment
Penn Disorientation Guide 