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5 Steps to Take if You’ve Been Sexually Assaulted and/or Raped

First, this is not your fault. These situations can feel incredibly overwhelming. There are resources for you. We believe you and can help.  

*We recognize that there are a lot of barriers to disclosing sexual assault. At CAPSA, our services are confidential- you do not have to report the assault to Law Enforcement to receive support.* 

Here’s what to do:  

 

1. Make Sure You are Safe

After experiencing a sexual assault, it is common that you may experience a variety of things. No emotion or feeling is invalid, as everyone responds to situations differently. Because of this, it is important that you ensure your own safety above everything else.  

2. Seek Support- Call CAPSA

Once you ensure that you are physically safe, it’s important that you seek support. This can look like reaching out to someone you trust, or if you prefer anonymity, CAPSA is an available resource. We will listen, support, and provide you with resources. When you call CAPSA, we ensure that you are in control. We will never make a decision for you. CAPSA can help show you your resources and options. We are a confidential and free resource for those living in Cache Valley, Rich County, and Franklin and Preston, ID.  

3. Consider Medical Attention

It is completely up to you to decide if you want to seek out medical attention and help. Medical facilities are required to report crimes to law enforcement, however, CAPSA is a confidential resource that can help you determine if that’s the step you want to take. CAPSA currently provides support for survivors of sexual assault at Cache Valley Hospital. A SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Nurse can complete a sexual assault forensic exam which helps collect any evidence or DNA into a rape kit. These exams also provide the option to receive pregnancy prevention and STD prevention medications. Exams need to be completed within 5 days or 120 hours after an assault.  

If you are in need of an exam, Cache Valley Hospital is currently the only facility in Cache & Rich counties to provide this service.  

4. After Care and Support

Following an exam, our sexual assault caseworker will follow up with you within 24-48 hours. They will schedule an in-person meeting to explain your rights and options and answer any questions you have. 

5. Explore Your Legal Options

There are many reasons survivors may or may not choose to pursue legal action and report a sexual assault. We encourage survivors to speak with a caseworker who can help you carefully consider all your legal options. Our caseworkers are here to assist you every step of the way as you navigate what feels best for you and your situation.  

 

CAPSA is a non-profit domestic violence, sexual abuse, and rape recovery center serving Cache County and the Bear Lake area. It provides support services for women, men, and children impacted by abuse. All of our services are FREE and confidential. 

 

Call 435-753-2500 for CONFIDENTIAL and FREE resources. 

*Please note Utah is “Mandatory Reporting state” this means any form of abuse involving a minor is required by law to report.  

 

Function of CAPSA Caseworkers

CAPSA provides Advocacy and Support services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape.

CAPSA provides specialized expertise

Just like if someone has cancer, they see an oncologist because they specialize in cancer. With domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape – CAPSA provides specialized expertise.

CAPSA’s Caseworkers are experts in this field and have experience overcoming the many barriers associated with abuse including housing, economic difficulty, legal concerns, court advocacy and more. CAPSA also has strong relationships with law enforcement and a deep network of outside resources to help our clients.

Function of Caseworkers

CAPSA’s Caseworkers work with each client and take the time to understand their unique situation. This includes conducting risk assessments, discussing safety plans, helping file protective orders, and connecting clients to other resources both within CAPSA and throughout the community to ensure each client has a feasible and safe path forward.

Every case is unique, and some situations make it difficult or unsafe for survivors to reach CAPSA. Our Caseworkers specialize in dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape, and they understand the challenges that come with these things. Caseworkers typically work from the office but are equipped to respond to each individualized need. They have, in the past, met with clients at parks, in hospitals where they had appointments, and talked with them over the phone whenever safe, all to ensure those survivors got the help they needed.

CAPSA’s Caseworkers can do the same for you.

CAPSA’s Caseworkers can help you

If you are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, or stalking, CAPSA can help. CAPSA’s Caseworkers will work to inform so that you can understand what is happening and decide for yourself how to move forward. They provide resources to overcome barriers and do not let things like credit score, lack of insurance, or legal status prevent anyone from getting help for their abuse.

Whether you are worried for your safety, concerned for your children, or just wanting help to understand what is happening, CAPSA can help. Please, call our Support Line at (435) 753-2500 to find out what we can do for you.

 

CAPSA Serves Rural Utah and Idaho Areas

CAPSA serves the Cache Valley & Bear Lake areas, including the rural areas of Rich County, Franklin County, and Preston, Idaho. For survivors who have a hard time traveling to our office, we can meet them where they’re at. We believe in the need for survivors to have access to services even if they live in underpopulated areas.  

 

Why Rural Services Matter

 

When a sexual assault takes place in a rural area, it is less likely that the survivor will have access to services. It is also likely that because of the cultural aspects of small, tight knit communities, the survivor will be acquainted with their abuser, furthering the fear of reporting. If a survivor does come forward, they are times dismissed or told that there aren’t services for them nearby. Because of CAPSA’s advocacy in rural areas, we have been able to meet and help survivors who otherwise would not have received help or even reported. Our rural caseworker – Marin – travels to Rich County, Garden City, and Preston, Idaho frequently to provide advocacy and build relationships. 

 

Story from our Rural Caseworker, Marin 

 

Law enforcement in a rural area responded to a domestic violence call. They helped the survivor get in touch with CAPSA. She was very hesitant to use CAPSA services because of the barriers in a rural community. She was especially worried that everyone in the small town would know she was using CAPSA services. But with support from caseworkers, she worked through her concerns, overcame barriers, and eventually came to shelter. While in shelter, she worked with a caseworker to find housing for herself and her kids away from her abuser. With support from CAPSA, she was able to find a new life where she and her children were free of abuse. 

 

If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, call CAPSA at 435-753-2500.

Serving The Underserved

 

Serving the Underserved

 

Although CAPSA may initially be perceived as an organization serving a predominantly female clientele, CAPSA serves both men and women, as well as their accompanying children. In addition to extending services beyond those that choose to identify themselves as female, CAPSA seeks to provide services to everyone no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, or citizenship status. 

LGBTQ+ Community

 

CAPSA recognizes the growing need of services for those within different minority groups. Groups such as the LGBTQ+ community have need of resources for dealing with abuse within the community as much as anyone else. Regardless of the way a person chooses to identify themselves in gender or sexual orientation, relationships of any kind still have the potential of becoming abusive. 

As part of helping reach out to this community, CAPSA partners with places such as the Cache Pride Center. Through working with Cache Pride Center, learning opportunities are provided as a chance for individuals to ask questions, voice concerns and reservations, and glean more information about CAPSA services.  

Differing Cultures, Beliefs, and Race

 

Just because a person holds a particular belief, or belongs to a certain culture, does not mean they are exempt from the effects of abuse. In fact, some communities experience abuse at far higher rates than others. For these reasons, independent of cultural background or race, CAPSA’s services are accessible to anyone. CAPSA often partners with CRIC, the Cache Refugee Center, to assist refugees entering Cache Valley that may be survivors of abuse. 

CAPSA seeks to provide both trauma informed and culturally informed services for all clients. This is accomplished through the direction, supervision, and outreach plans implemented by trained and informed diversity specialists and a team of experienced and knowledgeable advocates. 

Service For Everyone

 

Domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as any form of abuse, is not unique to any one group of people. It is a pervasive issue that can affect any person no matter their age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or social status. Knowing this, it is apparent that services for survivors of abuse should be tailored to fit the needs of all people. CAPSA understands this and therefore prioritizes services that apply to everyone. Our caseworkers and advocates are trained to work with diverse populations.

If you or someone you love is a survivor of abuse, and if you have questions about how CAPSA services can best suit your unique needs, call CAPSA at 435-753-2500. CAPSA Advocates can help you find hope and safety with a personalized plan in line with your specific needs and goals. 

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Update about COVID-19

In recent communications, I have shared the steps CAPSA has taken to ensure the safety of our staff and clients all while implementing new tools and processes to continue delivering essential life-saving services.

We know domestic violence has increased during this crisis; with social distancing, many victims are now trapped with their abusers and increased fear and anxiety often trigger escalated abuse.  Although we are a nonprofit these changes have incurred significant costs, such as implemented technology and expanded services to ensure individuals and families have a safe place to escape abuse and  are able to heal from the associated trauma.

Today I want to share a few stories of those we are serving during this crisis.

THERE IS STILL PROTECTION

A client who recently escaped a very scary relationship approached CAPSA for help. CAPSA met with her via a telehealth like service; through this web tool, our expert caseworker was able to help with safety planning, complete a protective order and submit the protective order online.

Due to changes in court processes, her court hearing was over the phone. This client called her caseworker after and said, “I am actually thankful for the coronavirus. I am not sure I would have had the courage to stand in the same courtroom as my abuser.”

Her protective order was awarded. CAPSA will continue to support her via web and phone meetings. We cannot do this work without your support.

THE GIFT OF A SAFE PLACE

CAPSA’s emergency shelter is for individuals and families who become homeless to escape domestic violence. To increase social distancing and reduce shared spaces, CAPSA has changed our onsite shelter capacity and is utilizing hotels and other offsite shelter options – CAPSA continues our zero turn away policy to qualifying individuals.

To provide a safe space for a client, we placed them in a hotel for several days until there was room in our onsite shelter. Here is her description of entering shelter:

“I never could have imagined that I would be able to feel safe and integrated again in my life. This [shelter] environment is so welcoming and supportive. This was the first time since the abuse began that I was able to sleep without nightmares. When I was shown my room, I saw a “care packet” on my bed; I cried and cried because I felt so blessed. It was such a good feeling after so long of being in crisis mode!”

She had a safe place because of your support.

HELP EVEN DURING A CRISIS

For the last year, CAPSA has supported a client with casework, court advocacy and clinical therapy services. She came to CAPSA because her husband was extremely emotionally and sexually abusive. COVID-19 has been extremely challenging because of the general anxiety and increased responsibilities of working from home, homeschooling and her ex-husband using the pandemic as a way to manipulate court ordered parent time.

CAPSA’s ability to continue offering online therapy has been extremely useful to help her feel supported. She told her therapist, “thank you… it’s so helpful to continue to have some outside perspective with all of this going on.”  While her stressors have increased, because of your support, she has continued to make progress on managing anxiety and feeling peace.

With your help, she has access to quality, FREE clinical therapy.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

These clients only had support because of you and supporters like you.

We cannot perform this work without community support during normal time, let alone during a global pandemic.  With the increased demand for services, the additional cost to provide those services and the reduction in donations and revenue, we need your support now more than ever. We are projecting a $150,000+ shortage over the next 12 months.

If you are in a position to donate at any level – please go to www.capsa.org/donate  This money will support essential services.

Thank you for your support,

Jill W. Anderson

CAPSA| Executive Director

 

Therapy – Primary and Secondary Survivors

CAPSA’s Clinical Therapy is for primary and secondary survivors of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault and other types of abuse. This service is free and confidential.

CAPSA offers therapy to help heal from the trauma associated with abuse. It is not easy, particularly in the moment when survivors are still dealing with the fallout of abuse or for those who experienced their abuse as children and never had access to support. 

Value to Survivors 

It is very common for survivors to feel they have no one to talk to, no one they can share their story with safely – knowing they will be believed and taken seriously. Especially with loved ones and people they are close with, the fear that sharing will change or ruin the relationship can be paralyzing and prevent healing. 

CAPSA’s Therapy provides an opportunity to share their story without fear of judgement or retaliation. Therapy gives survivors a chance to unload and to let go of that stress so they can begin to move on.  

Value to Secondary Survivors 

The reality is that most friends and family want to help – but they often are not sure how. The fear that saying the wrong thing or not knowing the right way to support someone will make the situation worse often prevents people who care from helping. Even when they do help, loved ones providing support often face stress and added trauma themselves, as well as feelings of helplessness knowing they cannot magically make the survivor feel whole.  

CAPSA’s Therapy service provides an opportunity for Secondary Survivors to feel support, receive advice, and gain information about helping their loved ones. It provides support and reassurance so that they can heal, too.  

If you need help

If you or a loved one has experienced domestic violence, sexual assault or rape, CAPSA can help. Our services continue to be available through the Covid19 crisis and CAPSA’s Advocates stand ready to provide support to those in need.  

Please, call CAPSA’s Support Line at 435-753-2500 to find out how we can help.  

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Housing CELEBRATION and ANNOUNCEMENT

Today CAPSA, The Dell Loy Hansen Family Foundation and Altabank planned on hosting a CELEBRATION and ANNOUNCEMENT media event.  Although we had to cancel this event due to COVID-19, we still wanted to share the news and celebrate at a distance.

SAFE HOMES – CAPSA’S HOUSING PROGRAM

For individuals and families escaping abuse, a safe home is important to the healing process; this is why CAPSA offers multiple housing programs for our clients. The primary program combines rent subsidies with educational workgroups and case management. Families find housing in our community and are able to remain in this program for up to two years as they work towards independence.

Independance Place

Many clients may not qualify for community based housing because of lack of job history, credit damage by abuse or other reasons; therefore, in 2015, CAPSA built Independence Place, a nine home neighborhood. This is the only neighborhood owned by a nonprofit domestic violence service center in Utah. This neighborhood provides a safety net for families who struggle to secure housing. Families in Independence Place participate in the same transitional housing program and can also stay in these homes for up to two years.

CELEBRATION – HOME AND FAMILY SPONSORS

CAPSA’s transitional housing program averages over 30 families –  the average annual rent subsidies are $6,000 per family per year. Working with Altabank, CAPSA created a home and family sponsorship program in which organizations and donors sponsor a home and family by covering this annual housing cost.

Altabank was our first sponsor and their vision has led to the following sponsors:

We want to thank all of our sponsors for their support of CAPSA and Safe Homes.

When we started this program, our goal was to obtain nine sponsors; we reached that goal earlier this year. This program now generates more than $50,000 per year supporting CAPSA’s housing program and other core services.

You can learn more about home sponsorship at: https://www.capsa.org/home-sponsor

ANNOUNCEMENT – FOURPLEX

Although you may have already seen the media’s coverage on the opening of the fourplex, we had planned to announce it at this event. This fourplex is CAPSA’s newest extension to our transitional housing program.

The Dell Loy Hansen Family Foundation purchased a fourplex earlier this year for CAPSA’s exclusive use for our transitional housing program. The property was in need of major repairs, so the Real Salt Lake (RSL) Foundation donated $60,000 to completely renovate these homes. They were scheduled to be completed in late April.

However, due to the COVID-19 public crisis, CAPSA needed more emergency shelter space to accommodate the social distancing precautions and increased demand for shelter. In response to the crisis concerns, the RSL Foundation worked with the contractors on this project to finalize and open these units  almost a month early.

During this crisis, CAPSA will utilize these units for a combination of emergency shelter and transitional housing.

You can read more from:

Cache Valley Daily | HJ NEWS | KSL | ABC 4 | SL Tribune

Video of the progress

ANNOUNCEMENT – INDEPENDENCE WAY

Lastly, CAPSA is excited to announce that we are in the process of building a second neighborhood called Independence Way. We plan to finish this project later this year.

The need for affordable housing is essential in helping our clients. CAPSA had the opportunity to purchase a planned neighborhood development which includes an existing triplex and five building lots. The total cost for this project is $1.8 million. We are excited to report that this project is 100 percent funded.

We want to highlight the major contributors to this project:

We also had several individual donors that contributed to Independence Way.

Thank you to everyone who supported this project to ensure safe homes for our clients.

These homes will also be available for sponsorship. Learn more at: https://www.capsa.org/home-sponsor

We wish we could have shared and celebrated the announcements of these amazing projects with you in person. It is only because of your support that we’re able to accomplish this work – thank you!

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Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, when we as a community and as a nation take time to learn and better understand the problem of sexual assault and how we can make our communities safer.  

One of the best things all of us can do for survivors is to take the time to learn what services are available for them and understand how to help. So, if someone has been raped or sexually assaulted, here are some of CAPSA’s services which would likely be helpful. 

CAPSA offers services for survivors of rape and sexual assault. All CAPSA’s services are free, confidential, and designed to support survivors as they overcome the emotional, physical, and economic barriers to healing.  

Sexual Assault Response Team 

CAPSA’s Sexual Assault Response Team is a team of Advocates, available 24-hours a day for survivors of sexual assault and rape receiving a sexual assault forensic exam at the Cache Valley Hospital. Response Team Advocates ensure the process runs smooth and keeps the needs of the survivor at the forefront. 

Assistance Filing for Protective Orders 

CAPSA’s Advocates provide assistance to survivors wishing to file for a Protective Order, a useful tool for ensuring safety. Protective Orders provide a legal defense and require abusers maintain distance.  

Therapy 

CAPSA provides therapy for survivors of sexual assault and rape to ensure they have the tools and support to overcome the emotional stress of trauma. CAPSA’s Therapy has no time constraints, meaning whether you experienced your abuse last week or as a child, the service is available.  

Therapy is also available for secondary survivors of rape and sexual assault, because taking care of someone in crisis is not easy and can be emotionally taxing for those providing support as well.  

Sexual Assault Awareness Month provides an opportunity to spread awareness and ensure we as a community are meeting the needs of survivors. Particularly in times of crisis, it is good and necessary for communities to pull together and know how to protect and support one another. 

If you have experienced rape or sexual assault, or if you are struggling to support someone who has, you are not alone. Call CAPSA at 435-753-2500 to find out how we can help.  

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COVID-19 Update from Jill

I want to start by thanking the entire community for an outpouring of support. As a CAPSA supporter, you recognize how domestic violence and sexual abuse support services are even more critical during a public crisis.

While many nonprofits have reduced services during this public crisis, CAPSA has been ramping up services. I’d like to provide you an update on how.

INCREASED NEED FOR CAPSA

During a public crisis, there is an increased need for CAPSA’s domestic violence and rape support services. With social distancing, many victims are now trapped with their abusers, and increased fear and anxiety often trigger escalated abuse.

Here are some national news reports that demonstrate these concerns:

TIME – https://time.com/580…/coronavirus-domestic-violence-victims/

USA Today – https://www.usatoday.com/…/coronavirus-domestic…/5067349002/

ABC News – https://abcnews.go.com/…/isolation-families-coronavi…/story…

CAPSA is committed to providing all of our core support services while ensuring the safety of our staff – this is true now more than ever. CAPSA’s core services include casework, safety planning, rape exam advocacy, protective order support, legal reporting assistance, clinical therapy and emergency shelter.

How we provide services has and will change some, but the resources, expertise and support CAPSA provides will continue.

USING TECHNOLOGY

In the last two weeks, CAPSA has implemented technology and created procedures to move all casework and clinical therapy to phone and online sessions. CAPSA is utilizing Microsoft Teams to provide encrypted video conferences which meet Tier-D security standards and are protected by the same level of confidentiality as face-to-face meetings.

We have been in contact will all current clients, and the transition to online meetings has been smooth.

Most new clients initiate contact with CAPSA through our 24/7 support phone line at 435-753-2500. During these calls, we assess their safety and start providing case management; the only difference is their follow-up casework will be online or via phone. If we determine they are in immediate danger and emergency shelter is needed, our emergency shelter is still open, though we are established additional processes shared below.

RAPE EXAM ADVOCACY

One exception to moving services online is rape exam advocacy.

We will continue to send a caseworker to the hospital for all rape exams to ensure the client’s rights are honored and to connect them with CAPSA’s services. Follow-up services increase x1,000 when we connect with the individual before the rape exam. Cache Valley Hospital will provide the appropriate protective gear when we are on site.

SHELTER PROCEDURES

In regards to our emergency shelter, we are setting up quarantine and distancing processes. This is a significant undertaking as we operate a homeless shelter for domestic violence survivors.

Currently, our emergency shelter is full; as clients move out we will reduce the maximum number of shelter clients from 32 to 16 to increase distancing and reduce shared common space, including shared bathrooms. We are currently working on other off-site shelter options to increase capacity back to 32 individuals; here is an early story: https://www.facebook.com/172756986111825/posts/2761754623878702/?d=n More to come soon.

All new shelter clients will be placed in a hotel for up to seven days for isolation and observation of symptoms prior to allowing them in our onsite shelter. While at the hotel, if they start showing symptoms, they will maintain isolation for an additional 14 days. After this quarantine period, if we have the space, we will move clients into the shelter.

This isolation protocol has already been put to use, as we have placed a new shelter client in a hotel room for quarantine. This will be expensive, but we feel it is necessary to keep our staff and other clients safe and healthy. This is the type of initiative you support when you donate to CAPSA.

ASK FOR HELP

I would ask you and our community to help share CAPSA’s message and donate to ensure core programs remain available to those needing assistance.

A simple method to share CAPSA’s message is to follow CAPSA on Facebook and to like, share and comment on our posts. There are people in your social network that need to view this message.

You can also help by donating to CAPSA. You can make a donation online at www.capsa.org/donate or by mail at PO Box 3617, Logan UT 84323.

You can also create a Facebook Fundraiser for CAPSA and encourage your friends and family to donate; Facebook fundraisers are easy to set up at www.FB.com/pg/CAPSAservices/fundraisers.

Thank you for your continued support. We cannot do this work without you and need your support now more than ever.

Jill Anderson

CAPSA | Executive Director

CAPSA’s Therapy Service

CAPSA’s Clinical Therapy is offered for immediate and secondary survivors of abuse and sexual assault. This service is free and confidential, and allows CAPSA to support the emotional needs of survivors alongside their other needs.

Therapy is Valuable to CAPSA’s Clients

Often, survivors of domestic violence, rape, and sexual assault – traumatic events which can leave victims in crisis – struggle with how to respond. Common emotional and psychological responses such as guilt, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, or depression, leave survivors struggling and often without proper support.

CAPSA’s Therapists help survivors cope with these trauma-responses, help them overcome and build emotional resilience against stress. Fundamentally, our Therapists help survivors realize they are not crazy for struggling, for being anxious or depressed, and that the abuse was not their fault. No one deserves to be abused.

CAPSA’s Therapy Center

CAPSA Offers Multiple Types of Therapy

Every instance of domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape is unique, and every person responds differently to different treatments. CAPSA’s Therapists are trauma-informed, and understand the unique challenges associated with abuse. They are certified in multiple forms of therapy in order to offer the best support for each client. CAPSA runs clinics providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).

These clinical options ensure survivors receive the treatment they need in a way that will be beneficial, that does not re-traumatize, and helps them move forward.

CAPSA’s Therapy Service is Always Free

All of CAPSA’s services are FREE and confidential, including therapy. The emotional impact of abuse is easy to neglect when you still need somewhere to live, but healing means meeting both needs.

CAPSA’s Therapy service is available to anyone who needs help overcoming the effects of abuse. Regardless of whether the abuse is recent, occurred when you were young, or you are struggling to support a loved one recovering from abuse.

If you or someone you love has experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or rape, CAPSA can help. Please, call our Support Line at 435-753-2500 to find out how.