U. students aiding WOAR effort

College sophomore Erica Cronkey is on a mission. She is one of 10 University students training to be volunteers for Women Organized Against Rape, the city's primary rape crisis center. "It is very important that women be shown the support they deserve because often times the rape is blamed on the woman," she said. Dozens of other University students are also joining the WOAR effort. Currently nearly 25 students are members of the organization and 10 more are in training this semester, according to Carole Goldstein, director of volunteer services. WOAR, which is nearing its 20th anniversary, aims to eliminate rape, provide support and referrals to victims of sexual assault and "empower" women. WOAR's 150 volunteers have been trained to take part in all facets of the organization, according to Goldstein. During their training, volunteers must complete a 40-hour sexual assault crisis counselor program, which meets twice a week for five weeks. The current University volunteers-in-training will graduate December 7. WOAR, located in Center City, is Philadelphia's largest rape crisis center, according to Goldstein. She said the center is one of the oldest of its kind in the nation. WOAR operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide "round the clock" coverage at emergency centers at Episcopal Hospital and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and to provide counseling and information over their hotline, Goldstein said. WOAR also sponsors a court advocacy program that provides support to victims if they decide they want to prosecute their assailants. In addition, volunteers counsel adult survivors of child sexual abuse and the "significant others" of rape victims, Goldstein said. All services are provided free of charge. College junior Cindy Travias said she is training to be a volunteer because she plans to enroll in medical school and wants to learn about how victims are treated in the hospital after a rape.