Pittsburgh Action Against Rape

PAAR was founded in 1972 by the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Organization of Women (NOW) in response to a series of rapes. This group of lawyers, health professionals and activists believed victims of sexual assault should have expert assistance directly following the commission of the crime. During PAAR’s first two years, the organization was a membership and volunteer driven.

In 1974, PAAR was incorporated as 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. In 1977, as funding became available, PAAR hired coordinators to supervise its adult victim service and education programs. In 1979 PAAR expanded from only working with adult victims, and hired staff to work specifically with victims of child sexual assault.

Today, PAAR is one of the oldest, and largest rape crisis centers in the country. PAAR remains the only organization in Allegheny County dedicated exclusively to victims of sexual violence.

We provide comprehensive, cost-free services to child and adult victims of sexual abuse throughout Allegheny County. These services include: crisis intervention, including a 24-hour hotline, medical and legal advocacy, and crisis counseling; group counseling and individual counseling; education/prevention programming for children and community groups; and clinical training for mental health professionals.