Every survivor’s journey toward healing is unique, but no one should have to walk it alone. At CAPSA, we believe that the people who show up, who advocate, who build pathways where none existed before, are the ones who change everything. That’s why we created the Bridge of Hope Award. If you know someone that is deserving of this recognition, nominate them today.
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.
CAPSA is excited to share that we are beginning prevention and education presentations at Preston High School, Preston Junior High School, and Franklin County High School. This step reflects what we have consistently heard from families, educators, and community members: a strong desire to equip young people with skills that support healthy relationships, leadership, and safety, now and into the future.
Franklin County is a place where people care deeply about their kids and their neighbors. The growing interest in prevention education speaks to that commitment. By working together with schools, students, and families, we can build on the many strengths already present in our community while offering practical tools that help prevent harm and promote connection.
GARLAND, Utah — CAPSA (Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse) has been awarded $3.6 million through Utah’s Deeply Affordable Housing Fund (DAHF) to support the development of transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Northern Box Elder County. The funding will allow CAPSA to complete essential infrastructure for the full site and construct two fourplexes as the first phase of the project.
The project is being developed on seven acres of land donated in 2024 by Dr. Jan-Erik and Jennifer Schow. The Schows donated the land with the hope of increasing access to safety and stability for survivors in Tremonton, Garland, and surrounding rural communities where distance often prevents individuals from seeking help.
“Survivors in Northern Box Elder County face real barriers, especially when support services are a long drive away,” said Jill Anderson, CEO and Executive Director of CAPSA. “This award helps us move forward with greater confidence and momentum. Transitional housing will provide stability during the critical period after leaving abuse, helping survivors move toward long-term safety, healing, and independence.”
“We toured CAPSA in Logan and saw firsthand how deeply survivors are supported there,” said Dr. Jan-Erik and Jennifer Schow. “We also knew that survivors in our community need help closer to home. Donating this land felt like a meaningful first step in bringing more support to Northern Box Elder County.”
Tremonton and Garland represent a combined population of more than 10,000 residents. While Box Elder County is home to established and dedicated survivor services, the Northern part of the county currently lacks transitional housing options for individuals and families rebuilding after abuse. CAPSA emphasized that this effort is intended to be complementary to the services already provided in Box Elder County and is focused on addressing a long-term housing gap that often forces survivors to return to unsafe situations or leave their community altogether.
Housing is consistently cited as one of the top barriers survivors face when leaving an abusive relationship. Rising costs and limited availability in Utah make it especially difficult for survivors to secure safe and stable housing. Transitional housing is a proven strategy that supports survivor safety and long-term outcomes by providing stable living options paired with supportive services.
In addition to DAHF funding, CAPSA has secured support from additional significant donors to help expand the project beyond the first two fourplexes. CAPSA is especially grateful for the commitment of Dell Loy Hansen, his family foundation, and the Wasatch Group, who are heavily involved as partners in helping bring this vision to life. This funding enables CAPSA to include additional fourplexes and office space to provide survivor services closer to home.
CAPSA has formed a local advisory board comprised of Northern Box Elder community members to guide engagement and build strong partnerships as the project progresses.
To learn more about CAPSA’s services or the Garland transitional housing project, contact info@capsa.org.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, help is available:
CAPSA (Logan): (435) 753-2500
New Hope Crisis Center (Brigham City): (435) 723-5600
CAPSA is a nonprofit organization serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in northern Utah and southern Idaho. CAPSA provides crisis response, shelter, transitional housing support, counseling, advocacy, and prevention education. CAPSA’s mission is to create safe homes and empowered communities.
Choosing therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you have experienced abuse or trauma. Many people begin searching for therapy with questions like Will I feel safe? Will I be believed? Will this actually help? At CAPSA, we understand those concerns, and we center our therapy services around meeting survivors with care, respect, and compassion.
Therapy at CAPSA is specifically designed for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and related trauma. Our trauma-informed approach looks different from traditional therapy because it prioritizes safety, choice, and healing at your pace.
CAPSA provides trauma-informed therapy, meaning we recognize how trauma impacts the mind and body and how those effects can show up long after the harm has ended. Trauma can affect emotions, memory, relationships, physical health, and a person’s sense of self.
Our therapists are trained to understand trauma responses not as problems to fix, but as natural reactions to harmful experiences. Whether you feel anxious, disconnected, overwhelmed, numb, or unsure where to begin, therapy at CAPSA meets you exactly where you are.
Feeling safe is essential to healing. Many survivors have had their safety violated by someone they trusted, which can make reaching out for therapy especially difficult.
At CAPSA, therapy is never rushed or forced. You decide what to share and when to share it. Your therapist will not pressure you to talk about painful details before you are ready. Trust is built slowly and intentionally, and your consent guides the process.
One of the core differences in therapy at CAPSA is the emphasis on choice. Survivors often come from situations where control was taken from them. Therapy here is designed to help restore a sense of autonomy.
You are the expert on your own life. Therapy is collaborative, meaning goals are set together and can change over time. Some clients want help processing trauma, others want support building coping skills, strengthening boundaries, improving relationships, or simply having a safe space to talk. There is no single path to healing, and there is no pressure to move in a direction that does not feel right for you.
Healing does not happen in isolation. CAPSA therapists understand that trauma is often connected to ongoing stressors such as housing instability, legal concerns, financial stress, parenting challenges, or safety planning.
That’s why therapy is part of a coordinated support system. While you work with a therapist on healing and coping, you may also choose to work with an advocate or caseworker who can help address practical needs like safety planning, housing options, navigating systems, or accessing resources. With your consent, our team works together to ensure care feels connected and supportive, not fragmented. This approach allows therapy to stay grounded in your lived experience, supporting your needs.
Many survivors come to therapy carrying the weight of not being believed or being blamed for what they experienced. At CAPSA, therapy begins from a place of belief.
You do not need to prove your trauma. You do not need to minimize your experiences. Your feelings are valid, and your story matters. Therapy is a space where your experiences are honored and your strength is recognized, even if you do not feel strong yet.
While therapy at CAPSA honors the past, healing the past is only half the story. It is also about helping you build tools for the present and hope for the future.
Therapy can support you in reconnecting with yourself, rebuilding confidence, developing healthier boundaries, and discovering who you are beyond survival. Healing does not mean forgetting what happened. It means finding ways to move forward with greater safety, clarity, and self-compassion.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you are unsure what the first session will be like. Knowing what to expect can help ease some of that uncertainty.
Your first therapy session at CAPSA is focused on getting to know you and helping you feel comfortable. You will not be expected to share everything at once or recount traumatic experiences right away. The session may include:
The first session is about connection, not pressure. It is okay if you feel nervous, unsure, or emotional. It is also okay if you are not sure what you want yet. Therapy is a process, and your therapist will support you as you take it one step at a time.
If you are considering trauma-informed therapy at CAPSA, know that you do not have to have everything figured out before reaching out. Seeking support is an act of courage, and you deserve care that is patient, respectful, and centered on your needs.
Therapy at CAPSA is not about fixing you. It is about supporting your healing, honoring your experiences, and walking alongside you at your own pace.
If you are considering trauma-informed therapy at CAPSA, you do not have to take the next step alone. Whether you have questions about therapy, want to explore your options, or simply need someone to talk to, support is available.
Our 24/7 Help Line is available anytime, day or night:
Utah: 435.753.2500
Idaho: 208.540.8536
You can also reach us by email at info@capsa.org.
You deserve care that is compassionate, confidential, and centered on your needs. Whenever you are ready, we are here to listen and support you.
Content Warning:
This blog post discusses stalking and related forms of abuse, which may be difficult or triggering for some readers. Please take care of yourself while reading and step away if you need to.
If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, domestic violence, or sexual assault, confidential support is available. CAPSA’s 24/7 hotline is available at (435) 753-2500. If you are outside our service area, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or chat with them at www.thehotline.org. You are not alone.
January is Stalking Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about a form of abuse that is often misunderstood, minimized, or overlooked. Stalking is not about unwanted attention or persistence. It is a serious pattern of behavior that causes fear, distress, and long-term harm.
At CAPSA, we know that stalking frequently overlaps with domestic violence, sexual assault, and coercive control. Recognizing stalking and responding with compassion is essential to survivor safety, effective prevention, and building communities where abuse is taken seriously.
Stalking is a pattern of repeated behaviors directed at a specific person that causes fear or emotional distress. These behaviors can occur in person, online, or through technology, and they often escalate over time.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in the United States experience stalking in their lifetime, and many are stalked by a current or former intimate partner.
Because stalking behaviors are often framed as concern, jealousy, love, or coincidence, survivors may not immediately recognize what they are experiencing. Others may minimize the behavior or dismiss it as harmless, which can delay support and increase risk.
Stalking does not always look the same, but common warning signs include:
A key indicator of stalking is persistence. If behaviors continue after someone has asked for them to stop, or if they cause fear or distress, they are not harmless.
Stalking can have profound and lasting effects on survivors’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Many survivors report feeling constantly on edge, hyperaware of their surroundings, and unable to relax or feel safe, even in their own homes.
Research shows that stalking is strongly linked to anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and post-traumatic stress. Survivors may change routines, avoid public places, limit social connections, or miss work or school to reduce risk.
Even after stalking behaviors end, the trauma can linger. Fear does not simply disappear when contact stops.
There is no single “right” way to respond to stalking. Survivors make choices based on safety, survival, and available support. All of these responses are valid.
Stalking thrives in silence and misunderstanding. When communities lack awareness, survivors are more likely to be dismissed, blamed, or told their experience is not serious enough.
Awareness helps people recognize the warning signs earlier, respond with empathy instead of judgment, and challenge harmful beliefs about entitlement, control, and power in relationships. It also strengthens prevention efforts by addressing abuse before it escalates.
Stalking Awareness Month is an opportunity to change how we listen to survivors and how we show up for one another.
CAPSA provides confidential, trauma-informed support to survivors of stalking, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Our advocates believe survivors, respect their choices, and understand that safety looks different for everyone.
Support may include emotional support, safety planning, help navigating resources, or simply having someone to talk to who understands. Survivors do not need to prove their experience or meet a certain threshold to deserve help.
CAPSA also prioritizes prevention through our Prevention and Education team, which works throughout the community to address the root causes of abuse and promote healthy, respectful relationships.
Learn more or get help:
Everyone has a role to play in preventing stalking and supporting survivors:
Community support reduces isolation and saves lives.
Stalking is often quiet, persistent, and deeply harmful. January reminds us that abuse does not always look dramatic to be dangerous.
By increasing awareness, practicing compassion, and committing to prevention, we can create safer communities where survivors are supported and believed.
If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking or any form of abuse, CAPSA is here to help.
It’s that time of year again. The lights are twinkling, the air is crisp, and the spirit of giving is in full swing. At CAPSA, one of our most cherished traditions each holiday season is the Annual St. Nick’s Shop. This program brings the magic of the holidays to survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, and their families.
Every December, CAPSA transforms part of our facility into a warm, joyful, and completely free holiday shopping experience for our clients. Through the generosity of our incredible community, survivors can “shop” for gifts for their children and loved ones in a safe and supportive environment.
The success of the St. Nick’s Shop depends entirely on community donations. Each year, generous individuals, families, businesses, and civic groups come together to fill the shop’s shelves with new, unwrapped gifts. These items are then displayed like a real store, where survivors can browse, choose, and wrap gifts for their loved ones, all at no cost.
This year, CAPSA is collecting new, unopened, and unwrapped gifts to stock the St. Nick’s Shop. Donations can be dropped off at our main office, located at:
This year, donations are due by Monday, December 8
Your donations will directly support families in our community who are working toward healing and stability after abuse. Every gift you give helps make the holidays brighter for someone who truly deserves some light this season.
Not sure what to donate? Here are some ideas that are always appreciated:
No matter the size or type of your gift, every contribution helps create a joyful and meaningful holiday for survivors and their families.
At CAPSA, we know that the holidays can be particularly challenging for individuals and families who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault. Many of our clients are starting over, rebuilding their lives from the ground up, and may not have the financial means to provide gifts or create the holiday experiences they wish for their children.
Your donations to the St. Nick’s Shop do more than fill shelves. They send a powerful message: you are seen, valued, and supported by your community.
When you donate to CAPSA’s St. Nick’s Shop, you’re not just giving a toy, a coat, or a game; you’re giving survivors the chance to celebrate the season with joy, dignity, and hope.
Each year, we’re deeply moved by the generosity of our community members, businesses, and volunteers who make the St. Nick’s Shop possible. From local families dropping off toys to corporate partners organizing donation drives, every act of giving contributes to a ripple of kindness that reaches far beyond the holidays.
Your support allows CAPSA to continue offering comprehensive, life-changing services year-round, from emergency shelter and therapy to housing assistance and advocacy. Together, we’re building a community where survivors can thrive, not just survive.
As you make your holiday plans and shopping lists this year, consider adding one more stop — CAPSA’s St. Nick’s Shop. Your contribution, no matter how small, helps create moments of magic and meaning for survivors and their families.
Drop off your new, unwrapped gifts by Monday, December 8, at CAPSA, 308 W 1000 N, Logan, UT 84321.
Let’s make this holiday season one of hope, compassion, and community.
Together, we can fill the shelves and the hearts of survivors across Cache Valley.
Donate or Learn More at capsa.org/donate
Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) brings communities together to honor survivors, raise awareness, and inspire action. This year, CAPSA invites local businesses and organizations to take part in a powerful new movement: the Purple Promise.
The Purple Promise is more than a pledge; it’s a commitment to help end domestic violence and build a safer, stronger community for everyone. By joining, your business becomes a visible ally in the fight to create a future free from abuse.
When your business makes the Purple Promise, you’re standing side by side with survivors, advocates, and community members who believe that safety, respect, and compassion should be universal.
By taking the Purple Promise, you pledge to:
You affirm your support for survivors and your dedication to promoting healthy, respectful relationships. Domestic violence affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. By taking a public stand, your business sends a powerful message that everyone deserves to live free from fear and harm.
Your commitment helps fund CAPSA’s life-saving programs: from emergency shelter for families escaping abuse, to counseling, advocacy, and prevention education that breaks the cycle of violence. Every contribution helps provide safety and hope to someone in need right here in Northern Utah and Southeast Idaho.
Purple is the color of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It’s a symbol of courage, survival, and peace. By displaying purple ribbons or signage in your business, you help raise awareness and encourage others to join the cause. When your customers see purple, they’ll know your business stands for safety and compassion.
Businesses that take the Purple Promise are invited to contribute $1,000 (or more) as a Purple Promise Partner. This partnership directly funds CAPSA’s critical services and programs, ensuring that survivors in our community have the support they need to heal and rebuild.
Your generous contribution provides:
Emergency Shelter – Safe, confidential shelter for individuals and families escaping danger.
Counseling and Advocacy Services – Professional support that helps survivors navigate their healing journey.
Prevention Education – School and community programs that teach healthy relationship skills and prevent future violence.
Every dollar makes a tangible difference in someone’s life. When your business joins the Purple Promise, you’re not just donating. You’re helping save lives.
To thank our Purple Promise Partners for their compassion and leadership, CAPSA offers several forms of recognition throughout the month of October:
Website & Social Media Recognition – Your business will be featured on CAPSA’s website and social media channels during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, highlighting your commitment to ending abuse.
Purple Promise Window Decal & Digital Badge – Display your support proudly with a custom Purple Promise decal for your storefront and a digital badge to share online. These materials show your customers that you care about creating a safer community.
Optional Training – CAPSA staff can visit your business to provide an optional on-site presentation, offering education on recognizing signs of abuse, supporting survivors, and building a culture of safety. To schedule a training, please reach out to kara@capsa.org, and we’d be happy to coordinate those details.
By joining the Purple Promise, your business becomes part of a visible movement that encourages others to take action. Together, we can turn awareness into lasting change.
Domestic violence is more common than many realize, and it affects every community. Survivors often face overwhelming barriers when trying to escape abuse, from financial hardship to social stigma. CAPSA provides free, confidential support to help survivors find safety, healing, and hope.
When local businesses stand behind this mission, it sends a strong message that our community does not tolerate abuse and that survivors are supported, believed, and valued. Your participation in the Purple Promise helps sustain the programs that make this vision possible.
This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, join CAPSA in making a difference. Become a Purple Promise Partner and take a stand against domestic violence. Your pledge represents compassion, leadership, and community strength.
Let’s work together to shine a light of hope and create a community free from violence.
February marks Healthy Relationships Month, a time to reflect on the building blocks of strong, supportive, and respectful connections. At CAPSA, our Prevention Education department focuses on empowering individuals with tools and strategies to enhance relationships, and one of the most critical aspects we emphasize is setting boundaries.
Healthy boundaries are essential for maintaining balance, self-respect, and mutual understanding in any relationship. Boundaries define what you are comfortable with and communicate your needs and limits to others. When set and respected, they create a foundation for trust and growth, fostering healthier connections.
Here are five powerful tips to help you establish and maintain healthy boundaries.
The first step is understanding your personal limits. Take time to reflect on what makes you feel safe, respected, and valued. Think about past experiences and identify situations where you felt uncomfortable or taken advantage of.
Knowing yourself and your needs allows you to communicate clearly to others. For example, if you value personal time, you might establish a boundary of not answering work emails after a certain hour.
Effective communication is vital when establishing boundaries. Use clear and respectful language to express your needs and limits. Remember, boundaries are about fostering understanding, not creating conflict.
For instance, you can say, “I feel overwhelmed when I’m interrupted during my work hours. Can we plan to discuss this after I’m done?” This approach makes your needs known while inviting collaboration.
CAPSA’s Prevention Education department offers valuable resources and training on communication, helping individuals communicate effectively in their relationships.
Consistency is key. If you set a boundary, ensure you follow through with it. For example, if you’ve decided not to lend money to friends, it’s important to stand by that decision, even if pressured.
By staying consistent, you reinforce the importance of your limits and encourage others to respect them. Consistency also demonstrates that you take your own boundaries seriously, which makes others more likely to do the same.
Healthy relationships are a two-way street. Just as you set your own boundaries, it’s crucial to recognize and respect the boundaries of others. Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues and avoid overstepping.
If someone communicates a boundary to you, acknowledge it without judgment. For example, if a friend prefers not to discuss certain topics, respect their request and adjust your conversations accordingly.
Sometimes, setting boundaries can be challenging, especially in relationships where patterns of behavior have been established. If you encounter resistance or struggle to assert your needs, don’t hesitate to seek support.
CAPSA provides a safe space for individuals to explore these challenges and learn practical strategies. Whether through workshops, one-on-one support, or community education, we’re here to help.
Why Boundaries Matter During Healthy Relationships Month
Healthy Relationships Month is an opportunity to prioritize connection, respect, and mutual growth. Setting boundaries is a vital aspect of this process. It can help protect your emotional well-being, ensure relationships are built on respect, and empower you to thrive as an individual.
CAPSA’s Prevention Education department specializes in teaching these principles throughout February and beyond. By promoting healthy boundaries, we aim to create a community where individuals feel valued, supported, and free to be themselves.
If you’re ready to strengthen your relationships, reach out to CAPSA. Together, we can build a future where respect and understanding thrive.
Setting boundaries is a skill, but it’s one that can transform your relationships and enhance your life. Start practicing today, and watch as your connections grow stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling.
At CAPSA, we know it takes community support to create lasting change. Every action, no matter how small it may seem, contributes to our mission of providing hope, healing, and safety for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Whether you have five minutes, five hours, or five dollars to give, your support can make a meaningful impact. Here are some small but powerful ways you can assist CAPSA in our mission.
Your financial support helps us provide life-saving services to survivors, including emergency shelter, therapy, legal advocacy, and more. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a recurring donation, every dollar counts. Consider setting up a monthly donation—even small amounts add up to significant support over time. When you contribute financially, you’re directly impacting the lives of individuals and families who rely on CAPSA for safety and healing. To learn more about donating, visit CAPSA.org/donate.
Volunteers are the heart of CAPSA. From assisting with events to helping maintain our facilities, there are countless ways to give your time and talents. Volunteering doesn’t just support our operations—it also strengthens community connections and allows individuals to play an active role in creating change. You can help by organizing donations, participating in community outreach, or providing administrative support. Even a few hours can make a big difference. Reach out to learn about current volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule and interests. To learn more about volunteering, visit CAPSA.org/get-involved/volunteer.
Understanding the realities of domestic and sexual violence in our community is an essential step in creating change. When you educate yourself, you become empowered to recognize signs of abuse and take meaningful action. Visit our website, read survivor stories, or attend one of our educational trainings to deepen your knowledge and awareness. These insights equip you to be a stronger ally and advocate for survivors.
Awareness is powerful. Share CAPSA’s mission and services on your social media platforms or talk to your friends, family, and coworkers about how they can support survivors. Word of mouth can help someone in need find the resources they’re looking for. A simple share on social media or a conversation over coffee could be the catalyst for someone to seek help or get involved.
Organize a fundraiser or participate in one of ours! Fundraisers are a fantastic way to bring the community together for a cause while raising essential funds for CAPSA. Whether it’s a bake sale, a community walk, or a workplace giving campaign, your efforts can amplify CAPSA’s reach and resources. These events also serve to strengthen community bonds and bring greater visibility to our mission.
No matter how small your action may seem, it contributes to a larger movement of support, hope, and healing. At CAPSA, we’ve seen firsthand how individual contributions—whether it’s time, money, or awareness—can transform lives and strengthen our community. Every kind gesture, every dollar donated, and every hour volunteered makes a difference.
Whether you’re able to give financially, volunteer your time, or simply share information about CAPSA, your support is invaluable. Thank you for being part of this critical work. Together, we can continue to make a big difference in the lives of survivors.
To get started, visit CAPSA.org or contact us directly to learn more about how you can help.
24/7 Support Phone:
UTAH: 435-753-2500
IDAHO: 208-540-8536
Mail: P.O. Box 3617, Logan, Utah 84323
Email: info@capsa.org
CAPSA is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to CAPSA are tax-deductible, to the extent permitted by law.
CAPSA’s tax identification number is 87-0413330.
