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