What to Expect When You Call CAPSA: A Guide to Our Survivor-Centered Services

At CAPSA, we are committed to providing survivor-centered services that meet the unique needs of everyone who seeks our support. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, we want to assure you that We Are Here for You and We Believe You! 

What to expect when you call CAPSA  

Our goal is to empower survivors to make informed decisions about their safety and well-being and to access the support they need to become safe and to heal. 

When you call CAPSA at 435-753-2500, you will speak to a trained advocate. We understand that it can be challenging to reach out for help, and we want to assure you that we are here to support you safely and confidentially. Our advocates will listen to your concerns and offer emotional support, validation, and empathy.  

Information and Support 

On the support line, you will be encouraged to speak to caseworkers who will provide you with information and support based on your specific needs and circumstances. We will discuss your safety concerns and provide you with information on safety planning, protective orders, and legal options. If you need immediate safety, you will have access to our emergency shelter.  

Our services are survivor-centered, meaning that we will work with you to identify your goals and support you in achieving them. We can provide you with ongoing emotional support, advocacy with law enforcement and the court system, and assistance with housing, employment, and financial stability. 

Confidentiality 

At CAPSA, we take confidentiality seriously. We understand that privacy and safety are crucial concerns for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our services are confidential, meaning we will not share any information about your situation without your permission, except in cases where we are legally obligated – such as cases of child or elderly abuse.  

Here to Help

At CAPSA, we are committed to providing survivor-centered services that meet the unique needs of each individual who seeks our support. When you call CAPSA at 435-753-2500, you can expect a warm and welcoming response, information and support, advocacy and support, and confidentiality. We want survivors to know that they are not alone and that they have the power to make informed decisions about their safety and well-being. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, please don’t hesitate to call CAPSA.  

 

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The Intersection of Domestic Violence and the Workplace- How Employers Can Support Survivors

At CAPSA, we understand the devastating impact that domestic violence can have on survivors, including its impact on their employment. Domestic violence can result in physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial instability that can make it difficult for survivors to perform their jobs. We also know that creating a safe and supportive workplace for survivors of domestic violence is essential. As an organization that works to end domestic violence and sexual assault, we want to share some best practices for employers to support employees who are survivors.  

THE IMPACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON THE WORKPLACE

Domestic violence can have a significant impact on the workplace, both for survivors and their colleagues. In addition to physical injuries and emotional trauma, survivors may experience increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, and a higher risk of turnover. This can have a ripple effect on the workplace environment as a whole, leading to decreased morale and increased tension among colleagues. The perpetrator’s behavior can also impact the safety and well-being of other employees. 

BEST PRACTICES FOR CREATING A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE WORKPLACE

To create a safe and supportive workplace for survivors of domestic violence, employers can implement several best practices: 

  1. Ensure employees recognize the workplace supports survivors of domestic violence. This includes understanding the availability of domestic violence support resources in your area. CAPSA is the local resource for Cache Valley and the Bear Lake Area.  One way to do this is to have CAPSA signage around your workplace.  
  1. Engage in identifying a safe and confidential location where a survivor could meet with a CAPSA advocate at the workplace. We are happy to provide this response if needed, call 435-753-2500. 
  1. Provide Training for Employees: CAPSA can provide training in your business – more information can be found at www.capsa.org/business.  
  1. Provide Flexible Work Arrangements: Employers can provide survivors with flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible schedules, to help them manage the impact of domestic violence on their job. 
  1. Protect the confidentiality and privacy of survivors by limiting the disclosure of their personal information to those who need to know for safety reasons; avoiding gossip or judgment; and respecting their choices and boundaries. 
  1. Offer support and assistance to survivors by listening to them empathetically; validating their feelings and experiences; expressing concern for their safety; and referring them to CAPSA.

As an employer, creating a supportive work environment will support survivors of domestic violence and improve your overall work environment. 

If you are interested in learning more or collaborating with us on this issue, please contact Alyna Ohling at community@capsa.org or (435) 753-2500. 

 

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Hope Begins with Communities

Highlighting our work and collaboration at city councils across Cache Valley is one way we engage with the communities that we support and that support us. We believe that bringing awareness is vital to ensuring that survivors in all areas get the help they need. These presentations are given twice annually, once in April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and once in October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

At CAPSA, we know that hope begins when survivors feel supported by their community. To give hope to survivors we encourage communities and individuals to start by believing and help connect survivors to CAPSA. We have several programs and services that work collaboratively to offer hope and support. One of our core services is advocacy, provided by our Casework team.

We have 6 outreach caseworkers and 4 outreach casework interns at CAPSA. Our caseworkers are often the first to have these hard and personal conversations with survivors of sexual assault and rape. During these conversations, our caseworkers help survivors understand their feelings, their reactions, and help normalize all of it. They approach every conversation in a way that gives power and control back to the survivor and empowers them to make choices that are best for them.

In terms of statistics, last year:

  • There were 39 Forensic Sexual Assault Examinations done at Cache Valley Hospital that our team responded to.
  • 52% of our clients disclosed sexual assault either as a primary or secondary survivor.
  • CAPSA assisted a total of 631 sexual assault clients.

 

What Does CAPSA Stand For?

CAPSA stands for Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse

In 1976, two high-profile rape cases occurred on Utah State University’s campus. This troubled many community members, and deciding to act, they created the Cache Valley Rape Crisis Team. The team was a hotline and calls were directed toward the University’s Women’s Center. 

In 1979, Utah passed a spousal abuse act, which made domestic violence illegal. With this legislation, both the need and funding for domestic violence shelters increased. The response team changed its name to Citizens Against Physical & Sexual Abuse, and community members began housing individuals within their own homes. 

From there CAPSA has grown into a 34-bed domestic violence shelter with caseworkers and a therapy program. We also have a housing program, child advocacy, and an education department dedicated to educating youth in hopes to prevent future violence. CAPSA is a team of some of the best people who have a passion for serving our community and helping people heal from abuse.  

 

A few of our team members share what CAPSA means to them

 Brenna, Children and Youth Services Manager  

“CAPSA gives a sense of hope. I love coming to work every day knowing that I can make a difference in the lives of children and youth. Their voices deserve to be heard and are often overlooked. I am happy to build relationships with our young generation in hopes to set them up for success in every aspect of their life.” 

 

Victoria, Diversity Caseworker 

“I think CAPSA for me means a place of healing and hope no matter where you come from or your immigration status, everyone is welcome here to heal and move forward.” 

 

Maddie, Community Engagement Coordinator 

“To me, CAPSA represents a true sense of hope in the face of hardship. In a world where we’re all constantly inundated with horrifying headlines and shockingly sad stories, it’s really easy to start feeling overwhelmed and to wonder where to even begin helping everyone who needs it. It’s really nice to work at a place like CAPSA, where helping survivors of abuse is the sole focus, but a major emphasis is also placed on self-care. We know that taking care of ourselves is critical to doing the work we do as successfully as possible.”    

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CAPSA Teaches about Healthy Relationships to Prevent Teen Dating Violence 

CAPSA’s Education Department Shares What They Teach About Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships

 

Lindsey, one of our educators, recently taught about healthy relationships to a class at Mountain Crest High School. During her lesson, students learned what makes up a healthy relationship such as trust, communication, boundaries, and respect. During this lesson, they also had the chance to come up with examples of unhealthy relationships and share with the class – such as the intensity of Edward towards Bella in Twilight or the controlling aspect of the mother in Tangled. We believe it is vital for teenagers and young adults to understand the dynamics of healthy relationships so they know what to look out for in their own relationships.  

In addition to Healthy Relationships, CAPSA’s prevention educators present on many other topics. If you are interested in setting up a presentation for your students or youth group, reach out to shellie@capsa.org.  

Secondary Survivors are Survivors

CAPSA’s mission is to support and empower survivors as they go through the healing process, this includes secondary survivors who are caring for loved ones.  

Who is a Secondary Survivor? 

 

A secondary survivor is someone who has been exposed to abuse through witnessing an abusive event or someone they are close to disclosing the experience to them. Often, this refers to someone who is helping support the survivor through the healing process, such as a close friend, a relative, or even a parent. They may experience some of the same side effects of dealing with trauma such as depression, anxiety, and emotions related to abuse and healing.   

Secondary survivors sometimes struggle with the emotions they feel, concerned that they are taking away from the survivor’s experience but the truth is there is no right way to feel when dealing with abuse. Secondary survivors may feel all, some, or none of the emotion’s survivors feel, and all these are valid responses.   

How Does CAPSA Support Secondary Survivors?

  

CAPSA provides support and empowerment through services designed to meet the needs of survivors dealing with abuse, including secondary survivors. CAPSA’s therapy program is available, and our therapists recognize the difficulty that can come with being a secondary survivor.   

Often, secondary survivors focus on finding healing for their loved ones. CAPSA offers therapy and advocacy to ensure this does not come at the expense of themselves. Friends and family move together and heal together, and ensuring the health and safety of secondary survivors benefits the survivors they worry about as well.   

CAPSA’s therapists work with secondary survivors to ensure they have the knowledge and skills needed to be supportive and help them work through the emotional impacts of abuse.  

 

If you are supporting a loved one through abuse and the healing process, know that you are not alone. CAPSA is here to provide support, information, and advice, and help you understand the process. You can contact CAPSA by calling 435-753-2500 to speak with a trained advocate and get the help you need. 

Warning Signs of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women and children are trafficked. 

CAPSA supports survivors of human trafficking because human trafficking is abuse. Human trafficking is about exploitation; a victim can be trafficked without ever leaving their home.  

Two forms of human trafficking include sexual exploitation & labor trafficking. Sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse in which a person(s), of any age takes advantage of a power imbalance to force or entice a person into engaging in sexual activity in return for something. Labor trafficking is using force, fraud, or coercion to compel an individual to provide involuntary labor or services.  

Warning Signs of Labor Trafficking

  • Malnourishment 
  • Signs of physical injuries and abuse 
  • Avoiding eye contact, social interaction, and authority figures  
  • Lack of personal possessions 
  • Working excessively long hours 
  • Poor health 
  • Inability to speak for themselves 

Warning Signs of Sexual Exploitation

  • Unexplained source of new clothing, jewelry, etc. 
  • Chronic runaway or homelessness 
  • Lying about age 
  • Lack of knowledge of a given community or whereabouts 
  • Presence of an overly controlling and abusive partner 
  • Lack of trust 
  • Self-blame, feelings of shame 

We encourage you to be aware of warning signs so that you can help a friend or loved one in need. If you or someone you know is being trafficked or has been trafficked, please call CAPSA at 435-753-2500. 

Give the Gift of Hope

This holiday season, we invite you to give the gift of hope to survivors.  

We need your financial, in-kind, and volunteer support to ensure our neighbors, friends, and family members impacted by abuse and trauma have CAPSA’s life-saving and life-changing supportive services. 

 

Three Ways to Give  

Monetary 

CAPSA relies on monetary community support to provide the services we offer. These funds provide free therapy, supportive advocacy, children’s services, safe housing, and emergency shelter for survivors. No matter the amount, your money goes to helping survivors start over and find hope. 

Consider donating- www.capsa.org/donate 

 

In-Kind 

In-Kind donations like toilet paper, children’s clothes, paper towels, and winter coats go directly to our clients or our day-to-day operations. As you can imagine, with 70 employees, CAPSA goes through lots of toilet paper and paper towels on a day-to-day basis. When these types of things are donated, we can use monetary donations to go towards our emergency shelter clients, and our other programs.  

To make an in-kind donation, contact 435-753-2500. Donations can also be dropped off at 308 W 100 N in Logan, UT.
 

 

Volunteering 

Another way to give back to CAPSA and your community is by volunteering. Many non-profits, including CAPSA, rely on volunteers to help with the work they do. Our volunteers do the equivalent work of 25 full-time paid employees. We couldn’t do this work without this form of support. We have many different options for those interested in volunteering – there is a place for everyone to help out at CAPSA. 

If you are interested in volunteering, contact volunteer@capsa.org.  

 

Thank You 

Your donations mean more than you’ll ever know. Below is one of many thank you notes that we received from a client. This is why we do the work we do. And with your support we can continue doing this important work for our community. 

3 Things you Didn’t Know About CAPSA’s Education Department

Our Prevention and Education Team educate our local youth throughout schools delivering curriculum and content that is designed to help youth recognize the signs of abuse. They love interacting and connecting with the amazing kids in Cache Valley, and Rich County. Our educators all have various backgrounds in health and public education and are passionate about educating our community! 

 

What we teach 

CAPSA’s awareness educators present curriculum promoting healthy relationships, reducing risk factors, increasing protective factors, and bringing awareness to CAPSA’s services. They teach about teen dating violence, resources in our community, warning signs of abuse & suicide, and prevention skills that reduce harm and could save lives. 

Our current list of courses includes: 

 

 

Who we teach 

Participants include 16,100 youth and 2,357 adults from twenty different middle and high schools across Cache Valley and the Bear Lake area. Presentations are taught in a safe and inclusive environment where students are able to learn and develop skills that will empower them as individuals to stand up against violence in their school, community, and personal life. 

 

Why we teach 

CAPSA’s overall mission is to end violence in our community. We know that by teaching the youth in Cache Valley prevention skills and knowledge, they will be more equipped to recognize warning signs in their own lives and in the lives of others.  

 

If you are interested in a youth presentation please reach out to educationteam@capsa.org. 

 

CAPSA Services are Free and Confidential 

If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, CAPSA can provide free and confidential services. Call 435-753-2500 to speak with a trained advocate. 

 

 

 

 

How CAPSA is Preventing Homelessness

 

The Correlation between Homelessness and Domestic Violence

 Abuse often takes many forms – from emotional, physical, sexual, financial, and many more, there are many ways an abuser can hold power and control over their victims. When a survivor flees abuse – there is usually a common outcome: they’re cut off financially. Because of this, finding a place to live for them and their children can be one of the most difficult challenges a survivor will face. CAPSA recognized that providing safe and affordable housing for survivors would decrease survivors’ risk of homelessness and increase their chances of continuing their education and rebuilding their financial sustainability. CAPSA currently serves around 300 clients a year in our housing program, providing relief and a safe place to live. 

 

 

CAPSA’s Transitional Housing Program Provides Relief and Independence

 

Since starting our housing program in 2007, CAPSA now owns or manages 21 homes which include Independence Place, Hansen Fourplex, and Independence Way. 

CAPSA’s Transitional Housing Program is a two-year program which includes housing subsidies coupled with advocacy and educational programming. The program focuses on developing independence by reducing housing expenses and assisting clients as they work toward a life asset such as a down payment on a home, and education. 

CAPSA’s housing caseworkers help clients find housing and support them during this transition – this may include short-term assistance or housing subsidies for up to two years. This program is successful at helping families start new lives free from abuse. 

 

 

Support CAPSA’s Housing Program

 CAPSA self-subsidies these properties, so the burden for expenses is on CAPSA. We help with maintenance costs and utility costs as well. Housing sponsors support our housing program with an annual sponsorship of $6,000. This represents the average cost for CAPSA to provide housing assistance. These funds will cover housing expenses and program funds.  

 

 

CAPSA Services are Free and Confidential

 If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, CAPSA can provide free and confidential services. Call 435-753-2500 to speak with a trained advocate.