What is Sexual Assault?
The term sexual assault refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim. Some forms of sexual assault include:
- Attempted rape
- Fondling or unwanted sexual touching
- Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, such as oral sex or penetrating the perpetrator’s body
- Penetration of the victim’s body, also known as rape
WHY DOES AWARENESS MATTER?
Sexual Assault Awareness Month serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive issue of sexual assault that demands our collective attention. In Utah, statistics have revealed a disconcerting prevalence of sexual assault, with numerous individuals affected each year. Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an important time to speak out, stand with survivors, and change the culture that has allowed sexual violence to exist for far too long.
How to Get Involved
DENIM DAY
On the last Friday in April, the 26th, we are asking community members to join us in solidarity with survivors of sexual violence by wearing denim. This display shows survivors in our community that we believe them, support them and are here to help. Please take photos in your denim and share using the hashtag #denimdaycapsa and tag @capsaservices.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Denim Day.
SIGN THE PLEDGE
Survivors have told us that it is invaluable to know they have a community behind them supporting and believing them. Each month we will share a unique pledge. As we come together, we will have the greatest impact in preventing and stopping harm and violence.
CLICK HERE to sign the monthly online pledge.
RIVERWOODS BRIDGE EVENT
In 2024, CAPSA will be launching an annual event for Sexual Assault Awareness Month to be held at the Riverwoods Conference Center, utilizing the bridge between Riverwoods and TownePlace Suites as a symbolic element. The theme of the event revolves around the idea of bridging services and bringing support.
This event is scheduled later in the month, Monday, April 29, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, to increase the likelihood of favorable weather, allowing us to make full use of the bridge both symbolically and as a location for guests to stand on for a photo opportunity with leaders. This event aims not only to show appreciation for our current supporters but also to encourage broader community involvement.
How to Raise Awareness
ATTEND A TRAINING
CAPSA offers the following trainings at no-cost to your business. These trainings can be adapted to meet your needs.
Recognize (Adapted to be 15, 30, or 45 minutes)
Participants will learn to distinguish between healthy, unhealthy, and abusive behaviors in relationships, emphasizing the recognition of signs for both positive and negative dynamics. The training also focuses on equipping learners to identify warning signs of domestic and sexual violence, particularly in workplace settings, covering behavioral, emotional, and physical indicators of abuse or trauma.
Respond (Adapted to be 15, 30, or 45 minutes)
Participants will learn to identify warning signs of potential domestic violence or abuse and gain detailed knowledge on responding effectively, focusing on two scenarios: reaching out to someone displaying warning signs and responding when a survivor seeks help. Additionally, participants will understand trauma and its effects, becoming trauma-informed in their roles, while also assessing and enhancing their workplace culture to support individuals during traumatic events.
Refer (Adapted to be 15, 30, or 45 minutes)
SIGNAGE
SCHEDULE A TOUR
We invite you to see what we do. CAPSA has grown from a small volunteer led program, operating out of our founder’s home to a 70 employee, 80 volunteer non-profit, operating out of a 20,000 square foot office space. This growth is representative of CAPSA’s passion to support survivor’s needs.
On a tour, we will share stories of how many of our programs came to be. After seeing our space, we encourage you to share with your employees. In order to help individuals come to know and trust CAPSA, it is important that they understand the breadth of services we can offer.
Please reach out to alyna@capsa.org to schedule a tour.
DONATE
We need your help. CAPSA is recognized as one of the best domestic violence and sexual assault support centers in Utah, providing a comprehensive range of services that support victims from crisis through healing. Yet, CAPSA cannot offer life-saving and life-changing support services for individuals and families impacted by domestic and sexual violence without your support and the support of our community.
Each year, CAPSA applies and manages nearly $3 million in competitive state and federal grants and raises an additional $1.5 million from the community through business donations, home and office sponsorships, foundation grants, and individual contributions. Your donation to CAPSA funds critical core services including crisis phone lines, case management, clinical therapy, emergency shelter, transitional housing, and youth services.
CLICK HERE to learn more or to make a donation.
