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
CAPSA provides Advocacy and Support services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape.
CAPSA provides specialized expertise
Just like if someone has cancer, they see an oncologist because they specialize in cancer. With domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape – CAPSA provides specialized expertise.
CAPSA’s Caseworkers are experts in this field and have experience overcoming the many barriers associated with abuse including housing, economic difficulty, legal concerns, court advocacy and more. CAPSA also has strong relationships with law enforcement and a deep network of outside resources to help our clients.
Function of Caseworkers
CAPSA’s Caseworkers work with each client and take the time to understand their unique situation. This includes conducting risk assessments, discussing safety plans, helping file protective orders, and connecting clients to other resources both within CAPSA and throughout the community to ensure each client has a feasible and safe path forward.
Every case is unique, and some situations make it difficult or unsafe for survivors to reach CAPSA. Our Caseworkers specialize in dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape, and they understand the challenges that come with these things. Caseworkers typically work from the office but are equipped to respond to each individualized need. They have, in the past, met with clients at parks, in hospitals where they had appointments, and talked with them over the phone whenever safe, all to ensure those survivors got the help they needed.
CAPSA’s Caseworkers can do the same for you.
CAPSA’s Caseworkers can help you
If you are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, or stalking, CAPSA can help. CAPSA’s Caseworkers will work to inform so that you can understand what is happening and decide for yourself how to move forward. They provide resources to overcome barriers and do not let things like credit score, lack of insurance, or legal status prevent anyone from getting help for their abuse.
Whether you are worried for your safety, concerned for your children, or just wanting help to understand what is happening, CAPSA can help. Please, call our Support Line at (435) 753-2500 to find out what we can do for you.
https://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/capsa-stock-shoot_26.jpg12001800Maddie Sotohttps://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/capsaLogo.pngMaddie Soto2022-08-02 10:42:232022-08-02 12:11:32Function of CAPSA Caseworkers
CAPSA serves the Cache Valley & Bear Lake areas, including the rural areas of Rich County, Franklin County, and Preston, Idaho. For survivors who have a hard time traveling to our office, we can meet them where they’re at. We believe in the need for survivors to have access to services even if they live in underpopulated areas.
Why Rural Services Matter
When a sexual assault takes place in a rural area, it is less likely that the survivor will have access to services. It is also likely that because of the cultural aspects of small, tight knit communities, the survivor will be acquainted with their abuser, furthering the fear of reporting. If a survivor does come forward, they are times dismissed or told that there aren’t services for them nearby. Because of CAPSA’s advocacy in rural areas, we have been able to meet and help survivors who otherwise would not have received help or even reported. Our rural caseworker – Marin – travels to Rich County, Garden City, and Preston, Idaho frequently to provide advocacy and build relationships.
Story from our Rural Caseworker, Marin
Law enforcement in a rural area responded to a domestic violence call. They helped the survivor get in touch with CAPSA. She was very hesitant to use CAPSA services because of the barriers in a rural community. She was especially worried that everyone in the small town would know she was using CAPSA services. But with support from caseworkers, she worked through her concerns, overcame barriers, and eventually came to shelter. While in shelter, she worked with a caseworker to find housing for herself and her kids away from her abuser. With support from CAPSA, she was able to find a new life where she and her children were free of abuse.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, call CAPSA at 435-753-2500.
https://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/tomasz-filipek-CUWC-6MRcNg-unsplash-scaled.jpg25601868Bethany Baladyhttps://www.capsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/capsaLogo.pngBethany Balady2022-05-02 12:04:422022-08-02 12:15:43CAPSA Serves Rural Utah and Idaho Areas
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.
Function of CAPSA Caseworkers
CAPSA provides Advocacy and Support services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape.
CAPSA provides specialized expertise
Just like if someone has cancer, they see an oncologist because they specialize in cancer. With domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape – CAPSA provides specialized expertise.
CAPSA’s Caseworkers are experts in this field and have experience overcoming the many barriers associated with abuse including housing, economic difficulty, legal concerns, court advocacy and more. CAPSA also has strong relationships with law enforcement and a deep network of outside resources to help our clients.
Function of Caseworkers
CAPSA’s Caseworkers work with each client and take the time to understand their unique situation. This includes conducting risk assessments, discussing safety plans, helping file protective orders, and connecting clients to other resources both within CAPSA and throughout the community to ensure each client has a feasible and safe path forward.
Every case is unique, and some situations make it difficult or unsafe for survivors to reach CAPSA. Our Caseworkers specialize in dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape, and they understand the challenges that come with these things. Caseworkers typically work from the office but are equipped to respond to each individualized need. They have, in the past, met with clients at parks, in hospitals where they had appointments, and talked with them over the phone whenever safe, all to ensure those survivors got the help they needed.
CAPSA’s Caseworkers can do the same for you.
CAPSA’s Caseworkers can help you
If you are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, or stalking, CAPSA can help. CAPSA’s Caseworkers will work to inform so that you can understand what is happening and decide for yourself how to move forward. They provide resources to overcome barriers and do not let things like credit score, lack of insurance, or legal status prevent anyone from getting help for their abuse.
Whether you are worried for your safety, concerned for your children, or just wanting help to understand what is happening, CAPSA can help. Please, call our Support Line at (435) 753-2500 to find out what we can do for you.
CAPSA Serves Rural Utah and Idaho Areas
CAPSA serves the Cache Valley & Bear Lake areas, including the rural areas of Rich County, Franklin County, and Preston, Idaho. For survivors who have a hard time traveling to our office, we can meet them where they’re at. We believe in the need for survivors to have access to services even if they live in underpopulated areas.
Why Rural Services Matter
When a sexual assault takes place in a rural area, it is less likely that the survivor will have access to services. It is also likely that because of the cultural aspects of small, tight knit communities, the survivor will be acquainted with their abuser, furthering the fear of reporting. If a survivor does come forward, they are times dismissed or told that there aren’t services for them nearby. Because of CAPSA’s advocacy in rural areas, we have been able to meet and help survivors who otherwise would not have received help or even reported. Our rural caseworker – Marin – travels to Rich County, Garden City, and Preston, Idaho frequently to provide advocacy and build relationships.
Story from our Rural Caseworker, Marin
Law enforcement in a rural area responded to a domestic violence call. They helped the survivor get in touch with CAPSA. She was very hesitant to use CAPSA services because of the barriers in a rural community. She was especially worried that everyone in the small town would know she was using CAPSA services. But with support from caseworkers, she worked through her concerns, overcame barriers, and eventually came to shelter. While in shelter, she worked with a caseworker to find housing for herself and her kids away from her abuser. With support from CAPSA, she was able to find a new life where she and her children were free of abuse.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, call CAPSA at 435-753-2500.