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.

Why Domestic Violence is Everyone’s Business: Tips for Creating a Safe and Supportive Workplace

Domestic violence is not  a private matter. It affects not only the individuals who experience it, but also their families, friends, communities, and workplaces. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women and one in nine men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact, sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking. Domestic violence can have serious consequences for the physical, mental, and emotional health of survivors, as well as their productivity, performance, and safety at work. 

As an employer, you have a responsibility and an opportunity to create a safe and supportive workplace for your employees who may be experiencing domestic violence. By doing so, you can help prevent further harm, reduce absenteeism and turnover, increase morale and loyalty, and enhance your reputation as a socially responsible organization. Here are some tips for creating a safe and supportive workplace for survivors of domestic violence: 

  • Educate yourself and your staff about domestic violence. CAPSA provides training on the signs, impacts, and resources for individuals impacted by domestic violence. This training can be provided to managers and employees on how to recognize and respond to domestic violence in the workplace. 
  • Display CAPSA signage in the office. 
  • Connect survivors with resources and support. Know your local resources and services that can help survivors of domestic violence. CAPSA is the local resource for Cache and Rich Counties and Preston, Weston, and Franklin, Idaho. Encourage survivors to seek help and support them in accessing the resources they need. 
  • Foster a culture of respect and trust. Create a positive work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and supported. Promote open communication, teamwork, diversity, and inclusion among your staff. Encourage employees to speak up if they witness or experience domestic violence or any other form of harassment or discrimination in the workplace. Respond promptly and appropriately to any complaints or concerns raised by employees. Demonstrate your leadership and commitment to preventing and addressing domestic violence in your workplace.
  • Make fighting Domestic Violence a cause of your business – employees find value in organizations that prioritize a cause.  

At CAPSA (Citizens Against Physical & Sexual Abuse), we believe that everyone deserves to live free from fear of abuse. We provide safe, caring, and confidential shelter, advocacy, and support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Cache County, the Bear Lake area, and Southwest Idaho. We also provide prevention education programs for schools, businesses, organizations, and communities to raise awareness and reduce incidents of abuse. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, please call CAPSA’s 24-hour Support Phone Line at (435) 753-2500 to speak with a trained advocate. We are here to help you. 

Together, we can make a difference.