October 12, 2026
Daniella Heminghaus/USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Marlene Pray, of Doyelstown, stands with a sign that reads, 'I am Jane Doe, 2nd week of college UC Boulder 1986,' during a rally for victims of sexual assault. The rally was held Thursday in wake of the gang rape allegations at Cornell University.
Survivors of sexual violence, advocates and students rallied nationwide last week in response to the allegations of a gang rape at Cornell University.
People gathered outside City Hall in Philadelphia, as well as in Doylestown and other local communities, to show solidarity with the woman who alleges she was raped by seven fraternity members at Cornell in 2024.
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The case also spurred the Philadelphia Department of Public Health to jumpstart a campaign to raise awareness about sexual assault and resources available to survivors.
"The news about what happened at Cornell University is outrageous, and we cannot ignore it," Health Commissioner Palak Raval-Nelson says in one of the campaign's Facebook posts. "Sometimes such news brings back past memories of trauma and violence. When that happens, we need to acknowledge that and make sure that we are seeking out help."
Raval-Nelson notes that sexual violence can occur "at home, on the street, in workplaces and even universities. If this has happened to you, I want you to know that we believe you, and there is help available for you. We are here to stand with you. You should know this help is free, and it will remain confidential."
The health department manages the Philadelphia Sexual Assault Resource Center at 300 E. Hunting Park Ave. The center has experienced, specially trained sexual assault nurse examiners that provide "compassionate, survivor-centered care to sexual assault survivors." People can call (215) 425-1625 to speak to a sexual assault nurse examiner 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Sexual assault survivors also may seek help at WOAR-Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, which used to be called Women Organized Against Rape. People can call (215) 985-3333 to speak with a WOAR advocate at any time.
"At WOAR, we encourage survivors to know that they have options and that they can seek support regardless of whether they choose to make a report," acting Director Laquisha Anthony said in an email. "Accessing confidential advocacy, counseling, medical care, and campus or community based resources can help survivors make informed decisions that feel right for them."
Anthony had a specific message for students and their communities: "Sexual assault can be overwhelming and isolating, but survivors should know they are not alone, support is available, and they deserve to have control over the decisions that come next."
If friends or loved ones share that they have experienced sexual assault, Anthony said, it's important to listen without judgment, believe the survivor, respect their choices and connect them with available resources if they wish.
In the Philly suburbs, Main Line Health recently has instituted a new program to help ensure its hospitals provide trauma-informed care and proper evidence collection for sexual assault survivors. The SAFE-T System pairs a telehealth sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) with a trained Main Line Health nurse to ensure best practices during exams.
"The nurse that's caring for (the survivor) in the room, physically with them, will bring in this very small cart with an iPad on it, and dial the SANE nurse that's virtual, and bring her into the room with her," said Elizabeth Connelly, senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Main Line Health. "They then will begin the assessment, and this nurse that's virtual will support the nurse that's doing the exam."
Since Delaware County's largest health system, Crozer health, closed last year, Main Line Health – a suburban health system, which operates Lankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Riddle Hospital and Paoli Hospital – has seen about a 30% increase in sexual assault survivors seeking care. That is about 16 cases a month, Connelly said.
"When (patients) are arriving for care in our emergency departments, they're traumatized," Connelly said. "They many times can be in shock."
The trained nurses paired with the telehealth-SANE explain to survivors "what their options are and make sure that they feel that they're in a safe environment, and they have a team that is there, full of respect and listening skills, so that they can make an informed decision," Connelly said.
Sexual assault forensic examinations are free to patients, and there is no charge for SAFE-T System telehealth support. Forensic examination services are available at Main Line Health hospital emergency departments 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Universities in the Philadelphia region also all have resources available to sexual assault survivors.
The University of Pennsylvania's website lists resources and agencies available including confidential options, campus options, Philadelphia police/community-based resources and national resources. It also has information for supporting a friend. Temple University's website also has extensive information for survivors of sexual violence.
Drexel University's Counseling Center provides free counseling to students who have experienced sexual assault an intimate partner violence and lists other resources here.
La Salle University and Villanova University also list resources online.
