Tag Archive for: supportgroups

New Year, Same Life-Saving Services

As we step into a new year, the season of goal-setting and self-improvement is in full swing. Many of us are reflecting on where we’ve been, envisioning where we’d like to go, and planning the steps it will take to get there. At CAPSA, we want you to know that this spirit of renewal and growth aligns perfectly with our mission. Whether you’re seeking safety, healing, or a fresh start, CAPSA is here to support you every step of the way.

For survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, the idea of new beginnings can feel daunting. Setting goals and working on personal growth may seem out of reach when you’re navigating difficult circumstances or healing from trauma. That’s why CAPSA’s life-saving services are designed to meet you where you are and help you build the future you envision—not just in January, but every day of the year.

Services We Offer 

At CAPSA, our services are centered around providing hope, choice, freedom, and independence. Here’s how we can support you:

  1. Emergency Shelter: If you need immediate safety, our emergency shelter offers a secure and welcoming space. You deserve to feel safe and supported.
  2. 24/7 Crisis Hotline: Our confidential hotline is available around the clock to offer guidance, support, or just a listening ear. You can reach us any time at (435)753-2500.
  3. Therapy and Counseling: Healing is a journey, and our licensed therapists specialize in helping survivors process trauma and rebuild their lives.
  4. Case Management: Our caseworkers work with you to create personalized plans, connecting you with resources for housing, employment, and education.
  5. Support Groups: Sharing your experiences with others who understand can be incredibly empowering. Our support groups foster community and healing.
  6. Legal Advocacy: Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming. Our advocates are here to guide you through protective orders, custody arrangements, and other legal needs.
  7. Transitional Housing: For those ready to take the next step toward independence, our transitional housing program provides stable, affordable housing.
  8. Prevention and Education: CAPSA also works within the community to prevent violence through education and awareness programs, helping create a safer future for all.

New Year, New Opportunities 

The start of a new year is an opportunity to reclaim your voice, set boundaries, and embrace the life you deserve. At CAPSA, we believe in your resilience and strength. Whether you’re reaching out for the first time or continuing on your journey with us, we’re here to provide the tools, resources, and support you need to achieve your goals.

Remember, self-improvement doesn’t have to mean monumental changes overnight. Small steps, like calling our hotline or attending a support group, can be transformative. This year, let CAPSA be part of your journey toward hope and healing.

You Are Not Alone

As we embrace the possibilities of a new year, CAPSA reaffirms our commitment to being a lifeline for survivors. You are not alone, and help is always available. Together, we can turn the page and write a new chapter—one of safety, empowerment, and hope.

If you or someone you know needs support, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Your journey is important, and we are honored to walk it with you.

You Are Not Alone: How CAPSA’s Support Groups Create Peer-Based Support

As a survivor of physical or sexual abuse, it can feel like you are alone and isolated in your experiences. However, at CAPSA, we know that survivors can benefit greatly from connecting with others who have shared similar experiences. That’s why we offer groups, which provide a safe environment for survivors to connect with one another and receive peer-based support. CAPSA offers support, educational, and therapy groups for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Groups create a safe place to learn, process, and heal while developing a peer-based support network.

What are Support Groups? 

Support groups are a form of therapy that involves connecting with others who have experienced similar traumatic events. The purpose of a support group is to provide a safe environment where survivors can share their experiences, feelings, and concerns with others who understand and empathize with what they are going through. 

At CAPSA, we offer several different groups for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. These groups are facilitated by trained professionals who are knowledgeable about the unique needs of survivors. We also offer groups for specific populations, such as LGBTQ+ survivors or Spanish-speaking survivors, to ensure that everyone can receive the resources they need. 

After one of CAPSA’s most recent support groups, one participant reported feeling more validated after participating in the group. She described feeling she is no longer alone. She stated that she usually feels a need for “a lot of words of affirmation,” so hearing the other disclosures in the group affirmed her experiences. Another participant reported leaving the group experience with validation, knowing that what she experienced was real and was abuse, and another participant said she gained confidence in assessing future relationships for red flags because of her participation in the group.

Benefits of Support Groups 

  • Peer-Based Support: Support groups offer survivors the opportunity to connect with others who have shared similar experiences. This peer-based support can be incredibly validating and healing, as survivors no longer feel like they are alone in their experiences.
  • Validation: Survivors often struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame after experiencing abuse. Being part of a support group can help survivors validate their experiences and understand that the abuse was not their fault.
  • Increased Self-Esteem: Support groups can help survivors feel more confident and empowered. As they connect with others who have shared similar experiences, survivors may feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings, which can help boost their self-esteem.
  • Coping Skills: Support groups can provide survivors with practical coping skills and strategies to help them manage their symptoms and emotions. By learning from others who have gone through similar experiences, survivors can develop new ways of coping with their trauma.
  • Community: Support groups can help survivors build a sense of community and belonging. By connecting with others who understand and empathize with their experiences, survivors can feel less isolated and more supported.

“Working with groups means longer, harder hours, but I love it, so I keep volunteering to help with them,” said Stefani Taylor, a therapist in CAPSA’s clinical department. “My favorite thing about the Hope & Healing group for survivors of sexual assault is the growth of the group members. Typically, everyone is quiet when we start. The first day is a lot of facilitators talking, asking questions, and building rapport. But over a few sessions, members start to open up, share, and support each other. Bonds form and friendships begin in H&H. People who I never thought would say a word become some of the most frequent participants and some of the friendliest supporters of other group members. I can’t express how much I love watching people become comfortable with the group and close with each other. It is a bond I’ve never seen anywhere else, a really important, close, unspoken bond.”

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.