Madeline’s story is one that is common among survivors fleeing abusive situations.
*Name changed to protect identity
After experiencing years of physical, emotional, and sometimes sexual abuse at the hands of her partner, Madeline woke in the early hours of a Winter morning and knew this was her chance to get her and her two-year-old son out of this horrific situation. She grabbed her wallet, keys, slipped on a coat, and made sure her son was dressed for the Cache Valley Winter weather. After calling our hotline, Madeline made it safely to our shelter and was immediately assisted by our staff and caseworkers. To this day she still remembers the terrifying feeling that accompanied her. The feeling of not knowing how she was going to be able to support her and her young son. After meeting with caseworkers, she said she was able to establish an action plan and apply for CAPSA’s traditional housing program that would allow her to have a place to stay while she rebuilt her credit and worked towards a stable financial situation. The relief that came when she was able to move into one of our units, secure a job, and put food on the table is something she will never forget. She was able to rebuild her life using our housing services and is now living on her own, and able to care for her and her son with full confidence in herself and her abilities.
CAPSA Services are Free and Confidential
If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, CAPSA can provide free and confidential services. Call 435-753-2500 to speak with a trained advocate.
https://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/image-5.jpeg10671600Bethany Baladyhttps://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/capsaLogo.pngBethany Balady2022-08-30 11:36:092023-05-26 12:41:18Housing Program Success Story
The Correlation between Homelessness and Domestic Violence
Abuse often takes many forms – from emotional, physical, sexual, financial, and many more, there are many ways an abuser can hold power and control over their victims. When a survivor flees abuse – there is usually a common outcome: they’re cut off financially. Because of this, finding a place to live for them and their children can be one of the most difficult challenges a survivor will face. CAPSA recognized that providing safe and affordable housing for survivors would decrease survivors’ risk of homelessness and increase their chances of continuing their education and rebuilding their financial sustainability. CAPSA currently serves around 300 clients a year in our housing program, providing relief and a safe place to live.
CAPSA’s Transitional Housing Program Provides Relief and Independence
CAPSA’s Transitional Housing Program is a two-year program which includes housing subsidies coupled with advocacy and educational programming. The program focuses on developing independence by reducing housing expenses and assisting clients as they work toward a life asset such as a down payment on a home, and education.
CAPSA’s housing caseworkers help clients find housing and support them during this transition – this may include short-term assistance or housing subsidies for up to two years. This program is successful at helping families start new lives free from abuse.
Support CAPSA’s Housing Program
CAPSA self-subsidies these properties, so the burden for expenses is on CAPSA. We help with maintenance costs and utility costs as well. Housing sponsors support our housing program with an annual sponsorship of $6,000. This represents the average cost for CAPSA to provide housing assistance. These funds will cover housing expenses and program funds.
CAPSA Services are Free and Confidential
If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, CAPSA can provide free and confidential services. Call 435-753-2500 to speak with a trained advocate.
https://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/a7r06945.jpg12001800Bethany Baladyhttps://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/capsaLogo.pngBethany Balady2022-08-30 11:13:532022-08-30 11:14:35How CAPSA is Preventing Homelessness
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.
https://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/capsa-stock-shoot_396-scaled.jpeg17092560Bethany Baladyhttps://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/capsaLogo.pngBethany Balady2022-08-18 09:35:462023-05-26 12:11:245 Steps to Take if You’ve Been Sexually Assaulted and/or Raped
Housing Program Success Story
Madeline’s Story
Madeline’s story is one that is common among survivors fleeing abusive situations.
*Name changed to protect identity
After experiencing years of physical, emotional, and sometimes sexual abuse at the hands of her partner, Madeline woke in the early hours of a Winter morning and knew this was her chance to get her and her two-year-old son out of this horrific situation. She grabbed her wallet, keys, slipped on a coat, and made sure her son was dressed for the Cache Valley Winter weather. After calling our hotline, Madeline made it safely to our shelter and was immediately assisted by our staff and caseworkers. To this day she still remembers the terrifying feeling that accompanied her. The feeling of not knowing how she was going to be able to support her and her young son. After meeting with caseworkers, she said she was able to establish an action plan and apply for CAPSA’s traditional housing program that would allow her to have a place to stay while she rebuilt her credit and worked towards a stable financial situation. The relief that came when she was able to move into one of our units, secure a job, and put food on the table is something she will never forget. She was able to rebuild her life using our housing services and is now living on her own, and able to care for her and her son with full confidence in herself and her abilities.
CAPSA Services are Free and Confidential
If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, CAPSA can provide free and confidential services. Call 435-753-2500 to speak with a trained advocate.
How CAPSA is Preventing Homelessness
The Correlation between Homelessness and Domestic Violence
Abuse often takes many forms – from emotional, physical, sexual, financial, and many more, there are many ways an abuser can hold power and control over their victims. When a survivor flees abuse – there is usually a common outcome: they’re cut off financially. Because of this, finding a place to live for them and their children can be one of the most difficult challenges a survivor will face. CAPSA recognized that providing safe and affordable housing for survivors would decrease survivors’ risk of homelessness and increase their chances of continuing their education and rebuilding their financial sustainability. CAPSA currently serves around 300 clients a year in our housing program, providing relief and a safe place to live.
CAPSA’s Transitional Housing Program Provides Relief and Independence
Since starting our housing program in 2007, CAPSA now owns or manages 21 homes which include Independence Place, Hansen Fourplex, and Independence Way.
CAPSA’s Transitional Housing Program is a two-year program which includes housing subsidies coupled with advocacy and educational programming. The program focuses on developing independence by reducing housing expenses and assisting clients as they work toward a life asset such as a down payment on a home, and education.
CAPSA’s housing caseworkers help clients find housing and support them during this transition – this may include short-term assistance or housing subsidies for up to two years. This program is successful at helping families start new lives free from abuse.
Support CAPSA’s Housing Program
CAPSA self-subsidies these properties, so the burden for expenses is on CAPSA. We help with maintenance costs and utility costs as well. Housing sponsors support our housing program with an annual sponsorship of $6,000. This represents the average cost for CAPSA to provide housing assistance. These funds will cover housing expenses and program funds.
CAPSA Services are Free and Confidential
If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, CAPSA can provide free and confidential services. Call 435-753-2500 to speak with a trained advocate.
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.