What Is CAPSA? Answering Some of Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
What Is CAPSA? Free, Confidential Services for Survivors in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho
You don’t have to have it all figured out to reach out.
Whether you’re in crisis right now, quietly weighing your options, or looking for information on behalf of someone you care about, CAPSA is here. You don’t need to have made any decisions. You don’t need to be ready to leave. You just need to reach out, and we’ll take it from there.
Need help now?
Utah Crisis and Support Line: 435-753-2500 | Idaho Crisis and Support Line: 208-852-0720
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
About CAPSA
What does CAPSA stand for?
CAPSA stands for Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and to preventing abuse through education and community engagement.
What is CAPSA?
CAPSA is a nonprofit based in Northern Utah. We provide free, confidential services to people who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking. Our approach is survivor-centered and trauma-informed, which means every person who contacts us is met with compassion, respect, and real choices about what happens next.
Where does CAPSA serve?
CAPSA serves a five-county region across Northern Utah and Southern Idaho:
- Cache County, UT
- Box Elder County, UT
- Rich County, UT
- Bear Lake County, ID
- Franklin County, ID
Our services are available to people of all genders, backgrounds, and identities.
Learn about our Idaho office here.
What does CAPSA believe?
We believe everyone deserves to live free from violence and fear. We believe survivors are the experts in their own lives, and that our job is to provide information, resources, and support so people can make the choices that are right for them. We don’t push. We don’t judge. We follow your lead.
What is CAPSA’s history?
CAPSA was founded in 1980 by community members who saw the need for safe shelter and support in Northern Utah. What started as a grassroots effort has grown into a full-service organization providing housing, advocacy, prevention education, and community-based support for survivors and their families across the region.
Services and Eligibility
Who can get help from CAPSA?
Anyone who has experienced domestic violence or sexual assault can reach out to CAPSA. You do not need to be in immediate crisis to call us. You do not need to have left your relationship. If you’re unsure whether our services apply to your situation, please call anyway. Our advocates are glad to talk through what you’re experiencing and help you understand your options.
What services does CAPSA provide?
CAPSA offers a range of services built around safety, healing, and long-term stability:
- Emergency shelter
- Transitional and supportive housing
- Advocacy and case management
- Support groups
- Prevention education
- Community outreach
Advocates can also help with safety planning, protective orders, housing instability, and connecting survivors to other resources in the community.
Learn more about our transitional housing project here.
Is CAPSA free?
Yes. All CAPSA services are provided at no cost to survivors.
Is CAPSA confidential?
Yes. CAPSA provides confidential services. What you share with an advocate is protected, with limited exceptions required by law.
Does CAPSA offer prevention and education programs?
Yes. CAPSA offers prevention education for youth and adults on topics including healthy relationships, consent, boundaries, bystander intervention, and violence prevention. These programs are available in schools, workplaces, and community settings across our service area.
How to Get Help
How do I contact CAPSA?
You can contact CAPSA by phone, online, or in person at our offices. Our crisis and support lines are staffed to help survivors explore options and figure out next steps.
Utah Crisis and Support Line: 435-753-2500
Idaho Crisis and Support Line: 208-852-0720
You can also visit our website to learn more about housing programs, advocacy services, and prevention education.
What happens when I call CAPSA?
You’ll speak with an advocate who will listen without judgment and without pressure. You won’t be told what to do. The conversation is about giving you information and options so you can decide what feels right. There is no obligation, and nothing you share will be used against you.
Get Involved and Support Survivors
For those who want to help build safer communities, there are several ways to support CAPSA’s work:
How can I support CAPSA?
Community support makes a direct difference in what we are able to offer survivors. You can check whether our volunteer program is currently accepting applicants, reach out about hosting or participating in a goods drive, and explore other ways to get involved. Visit our events page and follow CAPSA on social media to stay connected, see where we’ll be in the community, and find shareable resources that support survivors.
How does CAPSA help the community beyond direct services?
In addition to working directly with survivors, CAPSA works to address the root causes of violence through education, community partnerships, and advocacy. The goal is long-term change: safer, more connected communities where violence is not tolerated and survivors are believed.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, CAPSA is here.
Reaching out doesn’t mean you have to know what you want to do next. It just opens the door to support, information, and options. We’ll meet you wherever you are.
Utah: 435-753-2500 Idaho: 208-852-0720
