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Awards and Recognition

Women Against Abuse holds the GuideStar Platinum Exchange Seal, demonstrating its commitment to transparency.

2025

  • Executive Director & President Joanna Otero-Cruz receives 6abc Philly Proud Community Leader Award

2022

  • Executive Director & President Joanna Otero-Cruz is named a 2022 Power 100 Who's Who in Latino Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Latino Convention.
  • Women Against Abuse is recognized as Organization of the Year at the First Annual Who's Who Hispanic Heritage Month Gala, presented by Hector and Jazmin Serrano.
  • Joanna Otero-Cruz receives one of the 2022 Powerful Latinas Awards, sponsored by Hispanic Media Company's Latinas Lifestyle.
  • Joanna Otero-Cruz is nominated as an Al Dia Woman of Merit!

2020

  • Legal Center Director Molly Callahan receives the Philadelphia Bar Association's Herbert R. Weiman, Sr. & Jr. Award!
  • Maria Tate, Children's Program Specialist at Sojourner House - Women Against Abuse's transitional housing program - is honored with the Innovator Award from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

2019

  • Women Against Abuse is named an Eagles Cares Partner for the 2019-2020 season!

2018

  • Mike Gallagher, Police Liaison, receives the Excellence in Male Leadership Award from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

2017

  • Executive Director Jeannine L. Lisitski recognized as a Social Innovator by the Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal Awards!
  • Rutgers-Camden's Chancellor’s Award for Civic Engagement, Community Partners category, for a research collaboration around HIV intervention for emergency safe haven residents.

2014

  • Our Education and Training Team wins Community Health Teachers of the Year!

2013

  • Legal Center Director Molly Callahan receives the Philadelphia Center City Victim Advocate Award!
  • 2013 H. Craig Lewis Good Governance Award
  • Director of Finance Christine Stevens wins Nonprofit CFO of the Year!

2012

  • 2012 Top-Rated by GreatNonprofits

2011

  • Clinical Director Eda Kauffman receives the Deb Snyder Award!
  • Executive Director Jeannine L. Lisitski receives the Brava! Women Business Achievement Award!

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Catherine’s Story

When I first met my abuser, I was just 14 years old and he was 20. I thought I was in love, so I ignored the disapproval of my mom and sister.

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La historia de Candace

Al pensar en la violencia doméstica, a menudo se piensa en una víctima/sobreviviente adulta. Pero ¿qué sucede con los niños, las niñas y las personas jóvenes adultas que han experimentado abuso o han sentido miedo en sus propios hogares? Candace, quien trabajó como terapeuta en Women Against Abuse, fue testigo de cómo abusaban a su madre durante años y elige contar su historia sobre este aspecto de la violencia doméstica del que poco se habla. A continuación, sus palabras.

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Lonnie & Jordan’s Story

The life-saving work that Women Against Abuse achieves each day would not be possible without the support of advocates in the community.

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Dick MacKay’s Story

Dick MacKay knows the real reason for the holiday season—to bring hope to families in need.

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Chanda's Story

Chanda is a survivor and advocate for Women Against Abuse. She first shared her story at the 2017 iPledge Campaign press conference.

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La Historia de Dineth

Probablemente tenía 8 o 9 años la primera vez que fuimos a un refugio de Women Against Abuse, a mediados de la década de los ochenta. Era en [el oeste de Philadelphia], porque mi mamá estaba en una situación de violencia doméstica y necesitábamos encontrar un lugar seguro en el que vivir.

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Tamika's Story

I was 23 years old, a single mother, and pregnant with my second daughter. My fiancé had a drinking problem, and I took a lot of busted lips and sore arms until our daughter was born. I realized if I didn’t get out, my daughters wouldn’t see me as a strong person.

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Dineth's Story

I was probably 8 or 9 the first time we went to Women Against Abuse’s shelter in the mid-1980s. It was in [West Philly] and it was because my mom was in a domestic violence situation and we needed to find a safe place to live.

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Candace's Story

When people consider domestic violence (DV), they often think of the adult victim/survivor. But what about the children who have seen or experienced the abuse; the boys, girls and young adults who have been afraid in their own home? Candace, who worked as a therapist at Women Against Abuse, witnessed her mother being abused for many years, is choosing to share her story to shine a light on this little told aspect of DV. These are her words.

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Doug Schoenberg’s Story

Doug Schoenberg, Co-Founder and CEO of SofterWare, Inc., recently provided a challenge match through the Schoenberg Family Charitable Fund as an incentive to help Women Against Abuse gain new monthly donors.

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If you or someone you know needs help, call our toll-free 24-hour Hotline:

1.866.723.3014

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