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      • Know the Signs
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    • Therapy Services
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About

Mission & History

Respond, Educate and Advocate to end sexual violence.

Pittsburgh Action Against Rape has been serving the Pittsburgh community for 50 years through advocacy, counseling, prevention and education.

Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) was the first victim service agency in Allegheny County, and one of the first rape crisis centers in the nation. The agency was incorporated as a non-profit entity in 1972 and has been providing essential no-cost services to victims of sexual violence in Allegheny County for 50 years. As of today, PAAR is the only agency in Allegheny County solely devoted to the issue of sexual violence. PAAR provides comprehensive services to victims of sexual violence and to their families, serving children and adults of all gender identities, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds.


History and Accomplishments

Since its inception in 1972, PAAR has a rich history of providing knowledge, skill-building and support for every member of our community.

Celebrating 50 Years


PAAR was founded by a group of lawyers, health professionals, and activists who believed victims of sexual assault should have expert assistance directly following the commission of the crime. Since its foundation, PAAR has created the legacy of being the only organization in Allegheny County solely devoted to the issue of sexual violence.

Preface-1971

The Need for Rape Crisis Prevention was recognized

In response to the rapes which occurred during the celebration of the Pittsburgh Pirates win over the Baltimore Orioles in the 1971 World Series, the National Organization for Women (NOW) created a task force on rape which would soon become PAAR.

1972

PAAR was Founded

PAAR was officially established as Pennsylvania’s first rape crisis center and one of the earliest rape crisis centers in the country. During PAAR’s first two years, the organization was membership and volunteer-driven providing only a 24-hour helpline and medical and legal advocacy.

1974

PAAR became an official Rape Crisis Center

PAAR became a 501(C)(3) organization, providing sexual assault hotline services and medical/legal advocacy. Volunteers with professional skills in social work and psychology staffed PAAR and provided victim services.

1975

PCAR was Founded

PAAR was one of 10 centers participating in CONCERN’75 – the regional conference that sparked Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape’s (PCAR) formation. PCAR is the nation’s first anti-rape coalition which unifies the efforts of 51 rape crisis centers today.

1977

PAAR Found a Home in Pittsburgh

PAAR moved into its first home in Pittsburgh at 211 Oakland Avenue, which at the time was known as the new office in the University and City Ministries in Oakland. A newsletter in 1977 described it as “cozy and functional.”

1979

PAAR Expanded Advocacy for Children

PAAR was one of the first organizations to recognize the growing need for counseling services for sexually abused children and thereby began to offer to counsel to child victims and their families.

1979

Pittsburgh Took Back the Night

“Take Back the Night,” a phrase used by Ann Pride during her memorial at a 1977 anti-rape rally, sparked conversation amongst anti-rape organizations across the country. As a part of PAAR’s annual “Rape Week,” Pittsburgh saw it is first organized Take Back the Night march on Friday, October 19th.

1980

Relocation Brought Expansion

To accommodate the growing need for office space, PAAR moved into 3712 Forbes Avenue. Previously this space was a student apartment that Judy Seibel lived in before becoming one of the founders of PAAR.

1980

PAAR & The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

PAAR challenged the legal system and fought for the privacy rights of all rape victims. PAAR’s Executive Director Ann Pride refused to turn over client records and was held in contempt of court. On appeal, the case made its way to the State Supreme Court, resulting in the Pennsylvania State Legislature passing the first law in the nation recognizing total confidentiality in communications between victims and rape crisis counselors, known as the Rape Shield Law.

1990

New Home Project Created a Place for Survivors

Formerly an abandoned church, 81 South Nineteenth Street was purchased as PAAR’s first permanent home. Drastic renovations took place throughout the year, and in 1991, PAAR Southside became open to the public.

2010

PAAR Adapted to Building Collapse

During a storm, PAAR’s steeple collapsed through the roof, falling into the third floor of the building. PAAR’s team worked fast to reestablish the PAAR helpline within hours and secured space for counseling within three business days. Alison Hall, the Executive Director at the time, wrote in the following year’s annual report, “We counseled in stairwells, we cleaned up storage areas and turned them into makeshift offices and the work went on.”

2011

PAAR Convened the Allegheny County Sex Offender Management and Containment Task Force

PAAR convenes Allegheny County Sex Offender Management and Containment Task Force to unify the efforts of local partners. It was the first-ever, county-wide task force with a victim-centered approach to sex offender management.

2015

PAAR Became Involved in Coaching Boys Into Men Program

The Director of Crisis and Prevention Services, NAME, was invited to be a member of the national advisory board for “Coaching Boys Into Men,” which was established by FUTURES Without Violence.

2018

Project Traffick Stop Addressed the Needs of Human Trafficking Survivors

PAAR opened a drop-in center for commercially sexually exploited victims in Allegheny County. Project Traffick Stop continues to provide a full continuum of services to empower survivors to reclaim their lives. The complex needs of victims would be addressed in a safe, welcoming environment that would help victims begin their path to independence, safety, and healing from their trauma.

2020

PAAR Continued Work During COVID-19

PAAR began to offer telehealth services for clients due to the COVID 19 pandemic. In addition, all of our services and programs were offered remotely to continue to provide clients with every possible way to receive help and education.

2021

Pittsburgh Action Against Rape Names New Executive Director

After an extensive and rigorous search, PAAR was thrilled to announce the selection of a new Executive Director to lead PAAR – Pittsburgh Action Against Rape. The PAAR board and executive search committee chose Lisa Perry to serve as the organization’s new Executive Director.

2022

Project Traffick Stop becomes Project RISE

PAAR changed its drop-in center name to Project R.I.S.E. to reflect the Resilience, Independence, Strength, and Empowerment they see within their clients every day.

Project R.I.S.E. highlights the self-determination to rise above the challenges they face and to use their talents and abilities to not just survive through another day, but to eventually thrive for the weeks, months, and years to come.

Today

Today PAAR continues its mission to Respond, Educate and Advocate to end sexual violence.

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81 South 19th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203 USA

Phone: 412-431-5665

Fax: 412-431-0913

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