Delco Women Against Rape Still Helping Victims Amid Coronavirus

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — The coronavirus has had a major impact on countless industries, lives, and governments. But the coronavirus did not stop violence and crimes form occurring, and the Delaware County Women Against Rape non-profit group has been working through the pandemic.

The mission of Delaware County Women Against Rape (DCWAR) did not stop when the state shutdown in March.

Candice Linehan, Assistant Executive Director of DCWAR, told Patch some of its services — which include therapy, accompaniment, and counseling of victims of all ages, genders, and crimes — had to be modified in the "red" and "yellow" phases of the state's plan to reopen.

While some services have resumed, Linehan called not having clients in their offices a void.

"Hopefully at some point we can have them come back in," she said. DCWAR's clients have been patient and flexible with the non-profit amid turbulent times.

The pandemic however did not stop DCWAR's crucial offerings.

"We are fortunate that we have not stopped services," she said. DCWAR serves about 2,500 people a year just in Delaware County.

Despite helping hundreds of clients, Linehan said there is no waiting list for victims seeking DCWAR's services.

"What we know about crime and violence is on the rise when the community is stressed out," she said. "This is why we exist. We expected a surge in clients, and we saw it."

Even though DCWAR didn't stop offering services, it had to cancel one of it major fundraisers: Denim & Diamonds.

Denim & Diamonds is an auction event that benefits the group, which relies on state and federal funding as well as fundraising to stay open.

Linehan said this year's event was planned for April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the event would have kicked off National Crime Victims Week.

"We were going to have a cocktail party at the Springfield Country Club," she said. About 250 to 275 people were expected.

But the coronavirus put that idea to rest. DCWAR rescheduled the auction event for November. But again, spiking coronavirus figures forced the group to venture into unknown territory: virtual fundraising.

"We heard from other non-profits that virtual events have been successful," Linehan said.

So the DCWAR starting working to set up a virtual auction event with a livestreaming aspect set fro Friday.

"None of us are tech-savvy," Linehan said with a laugh. "We're trying to figure this all out."

The auction site has been live for about two weeks.

And with a few weeks of bidding on items such as wreaths, raffle baskets, and even a $1,000 gift card to Cozzi Jewelers in Newtown Square, has shown great support for DCWAR.

"I'm shocked and humbled by the amount of support we’ve already received," Linehan said. "People are so generous."

Linehan said she's noticed new donors show up on the bidding site to support the group.

Reaching new donors and participants not only increases funding, but it also simply raises awareness about DCWAR's mission.

"The awareness is really important," she said. "It's exciting for us to put new donor names on our lists."

Winners are set to be announced at the livestreaming event Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

In addition to thanking their supporters, DCWAR will present two awards: the Community Impact Award and the Founders Award.

"We would have like to honor them in person," Linehan said. "We’re all about building rapport, so its feel a little strange to us. But we’re going to make it happen."

Additionally, two survivor testimonials will be shared at the livestream event. Linehan called the two survivors courageous for sharing their stories to help bolster DCWAR's mission to support crime victims.

Additionally, those who want to watch the live event can get "watch party dinners" from two local eateries.

Fresco Pizza and Grill in Newtown Square and Lariele Wood Fired Square Pie in Media are offering prix fixe meal packages for $50 and an additional $10 donation to DCWAR.

But residents don't have to bid on an item or purchase a dinner package to support DCWAR.

Linehan said even a $5 donation helps.

Residents can find details on Delaware County Women Against Rape, Denim & Diamonds auction bidding, and how to watch the livestream event on the DCWAR website here.

This story is part of Patch's Headlining Hope series, which profiles local nonprofits and charitable organizations in need of volunteers and resources. If you know of a local organization that should be profiled, contact Max.Bennett@Patch.com.