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CAPSA: How many hands do angels
have?
By Greg
Aullman
March 24, 2008 | A fact unknown to many is that the
rate of domestic violence reaches its height in the
next few months.
The months of March, April, May, and June accounted
for 43.5 percent of crisis line calls for the entire
fiscal year that covered from July 1, 2006, through
June 30, 2007. An amazing 42.5 percent of people brought
into the community shelter were brought in during these
months, and 36.5 percent of casework hours were logged
in the time span.
It's almost as if the lull of what is called the honeymoon
period in domestic violence goes through the long winter
months and then at a time when the rest of the world
is awakening to joys of new life, for those suffering
it's the old fears that are aroused.
For those of the older generation, the discussion
of what goes on behind closed doors in a family can
be taboo to talk about. For years the voices of those
suffering was drown out by the loud hum of ignorance
and perceived bliss. Those who suffer still need a voice.
Those whose greatest fears lie behind the doors of their
own homes need a chance to make their plea. They need
an ear to hear, and often they need a hand to help.
For nearly forty years a small group of concerned citizens
has grown into a powerful force to try and not only
put an end to current, but also prevent any future abuses
against those who may not be able to defend themselves.
It's this group, a group that still isn't known well
enough in the community, a group that still has some
of its own taboo to deal with that we need to focus
on now. The group in our community is called CAPSA for
short, and Community Abuse Prevention Services Agency
in longhand.
CAPSA started out in the 1970's as a group of women
under the sponsorship of Utah State University, who
mostly took care of rape victims. The police used this
group as an outlet to help the victims, and soon found
other uses for them in assisting with domestic violence
issues. The founders of CAPSA were so willing to help
that they would take the victims of violence into their
own homes, and contributed their own money to make sure
the program worked.
CAPSA has come a long way, it went through one shelter
and on to the building that currently helps to train,
assist, and shelter individuals in the fight against
violence. CAPSA still depends largely on volunteers,
when talking with CAPSA's volunteer coordinator she
said, "Our biggest needs are volunteers."
For those afraid of volunteering here are what some
of the volunteers have had to say about it. Amy said,
"Volunteering for CAPSA allows you to form new friendships,
learn more about the Cache Valley community, and make
a difference one hour at a time."
Trent said,"Volunteering at CAPSA has been such a
rewarding experience. I immediately found a place to
fit in. It is truly an organization that allows for
expression of caring and compassion, and this attitude
is seen in all that work there. The experience is beyond
just worth it, it's a must."
CAPSA offers training for those who want to lend their
hands to the angels that work to stop abuse. The next
training is set to start on May 6, and would provide
the opportunity to give back to a world that gives us
lucky ones so much. For those interested in volunteering
a background check is required, but then after the training
a passport is given to help bless lives in ways unimagined.
For those interested, or for those who need the help
of CAPSA please call 435-753-2500. Just like their angel
counterparts those who wait on call do so 24 hours a
day, because as long as violence is awake CAPSA will
be awake to eliminate it.
NW
MS
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