Women Against Abuse

FYI - Women Against Abuse's main office and legal center are closed for the citywide holiday today, but the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline is here for you 24/7. If you or someone you know needs support for domestic violence, call 1-866-723-3014.

La oficina administrativa de Women Against Abuse está cerrada el día de hoy debido al feriado, pero la Línea de Atención Inmediata para Violencia Domestica de Filadelfia está disponible todo el año, las 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana (incluyendo los feriados). Si usted o algún conocido necesita apoyo debido a violencia doméstica, llame al 1-866-723-3014.

[Image description: A picture featuring the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline number and information in English and Spanish. It reads: "Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline,” “La Línea de Ayuda de Filadelfia contra la Violencia Doméstica,” “1-866-723-3014,” “Confidential, Toll-free, 24/7,” “Confidencial, Llamada, 24-7,” “We Are Here For You" and “Nosotras Estamos Aquí Para Ti.”]

A community cannot truly be free while survivors live in fear of violence. Every survivor deserves to live a life free of harm.

[Image description: A picture of a young woman in a red suit and sunglasses in front of a red, white and blue background, with the words: “Freedom is for everyone.”]

Finding safety from abuse shouldn’t feel like escaping from a horror movie.

But leaving can be the most dangerous time in an abusive relationship, and for survivors of abuse who are cut off from financial resources and their support systems, getting away feels impossible.

If someone tells you they are experiencing abuse, BELIEVE them and offer to call your local DV hotline together whenever they are ready. That number here in Philly is 1-866-723-3014, or you can call the National DV Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

[Image description: A picture with the words: “Them: If it’s so bad, you should just leave!

Survivors looking for safety and resources after leaving an abusive partner:”

Underneath the words is a scene of a long, never-ending hallway from the movie “Backrooms.”]

Thanks to the generosity of our community, $300,000 was raised during Dish It Up, Philly’s best women’s chef competition, to boost our life-saving services to survivors of abuse!

This year’s event was a smashing success thanks to our caring community of advocates, all the chefs who competed, our panel of judges, our host Lena Tillett, DeeJay Shelly (who played amazing music all night long), Shenk Company for making screen printed shirts and bags and all of our sponsors!

But we’re not done yet - our 50th anniversary celebration will continue with more special happenings in the coming months, including our iPledge campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

[Image description: A collage of pictures from Marta Rusek: Digital Storyteller and JPROD Event Resources LLC taken during the 2026 Dish It Up competition, including a photo of the judges together on the event stage with Purple Dish Award winner Wichittra Phanseng of Dara, with pictures of Purple Dish Award winner Kathy Mirano and her team from Tambayan, DeeJay Shelly waving her signature wings, a member of the team from Shenk with an attendee and her new WAA t-shirt, and our own Joanna Otero-Cruz with NBC10’s Lena Tillett.]

On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we recognize that elder abuse isn’t always financial. And it isn’t always obvious.

Elder abuse can look like:

💔 isolation from loved ones
💔 ignored or withheld medical care
💔 loss of autonomy
💔 controlling someone’s daily decisions and independence

Control is not care. Older adults deserve dignity and safety, and should be empowered to make their own choices.

Compassionate care is available at Philadelphia’s Domestic Violence Hotline 1-866-723-3014

[Image description: A picture of a colorful older woman with short white hair, colorful jewelry and a yellow blazer and top, making the “Rock on!” sign with both hands crossed in front of her. Above her are the words: “Elder abuse has no place in our golden years.”]

Healthy loves means feeling safe to disagree and discuss problems openly.

Financial abuse happens in 99% of abusive relationships. If you need help, the Philly DV Hotline is here for you!

[Image description: A picture of a message on a purple background with the words: “Does your partner keep you on an allowance or run up credit card debt in your name?

That’s financial abuse, and it’s usually accompanied by other forms of abuse too.

Call the Philly DV Hotline to make a safe escape

[red phone emoji] 1-866-723-3014”]

Our feet may be tired, but our hearts are full! We dined and danced the night away with a room full of brilliant chefs, longtime partners and friends during Dish It Up.

A massive THANK YOU to everyone who made last night so special 💜

[Image description: Pictures of advocates posing for photos with props, and advocates enjoying delectable dishes made by the chef competitors of Dish It Up 2026.]