CAPSA

It is estimated that 2 million to 4 million U.S. women are assaulted by a domestic partner every year, twelve million women (25% of the female population) will be abused in their lifetime and with 6,117 domestic violence calls in one year from Logan alone, it is a blessing that we have one Community Abuse Prevention Service Agency (CAPSA) here locally. CAPSA is a non profit organization dedicated to preventing abuse in Logan. They have a 24-hr crisis help line, education courses, a safe house, and a facility with therapists and social workers.

April is sexual assault awareness month, CAPSA partners with locals to promote their efforts in educating the community on stopping abuse. To start off the month CAPSA and Utah State University team to host “Walk a Mile In Her Shoes.” Gentlemen from the community come grab a pair of high heels and walk a one mile course around the university to kick off awareness month. Next a 5K “Run from Violence” & 1 Mile Walk is hosted by CAPSA. This gives everyone to get out and stretch their legs in the spring weather for a great cause. Finally on June 1st a golf tournament is held for sponsors. Sponsors, depending on the size of their donation, will receive a golf game, lunch, name/logo on a sign and an ad in the Herald Journal. You can also come for lunch or just golf, all proceeds go to CAPSA.

CAPSA is one of the fastest growing non-profit organizations in Cache Valley. Starting out with a hotline to help victims of abuse in 1976 by Marsha Rawlins from her home went to 1996 when major expansion was needed after progressing steadily including the founding of Somebody’s Attic, safe houses and hiring the first staff members. In 2004 a new shelter was built after the community helped build funds for the expansion, the shelter includes eight separate rooms/beds for 32 adults, cribs, two large living rooms and two kitchens. Now they run a 24 hour hotline, an emergency shelter, 4 educational support groups, and an active volunteer program. From July 2006 to June 2007 CAPSA sheltered 371 individuals, 5500 crisis calls, 400 rape related calls and 12,000 volunteer hours.

Thankfully the founders of CAPSA persisted through tough times; the community caught on and helped all they could. Today CAPSA takes donations to provide people that are struggling to create a better life. With your donations and support we could make Cache Valley domestic violence free.

For more information visit us at www.capsa.org

-End-
Written by Amber Winward