LOGAN – CAPSA has been awarded two grants equaling just over $50,000 from Utah Office for Victims of Crime, Department of Justice to fund service awareness campaigns for sexual assault and rape support services and domestic violence support services. The funds, up significantly from CAPSA’s previous marketing budget of $3,000, will allow the message of support and hope to reach thousands all over the valley.
CAPSA, which stands for Community Abuse Prevention Service Agency, is a nonprofit domestic violence, sexual assault and rape recovery center serving Cache and Rich counties. Last year, CAPSA served 1,551 women, men, and children and provided community education to 30,533 participants. CAPSA’s support services include a 24-hour support phone line, emergency shelter, casework, rape exam advocacy, prevention education, and clinical therapy. All of CAPSA’s services are free and confidential.
This is the first time CAPSA has had significant awareness money to use. James Boyd, Development Director for CAPSA, said this money allows them to take the message and really enrich the awareness.
“There is a major need for service awareness. When someone needs CAPSA, it is often life or death. Yet, if someone does not feel their abuse qualifies, misunderstand CAPSA’s services, or sadly does not know CAPSA exists, then they will not call CAPSA and take the first step to safety and healing,” said Boyd. “With this in mind, CAPSA will launch the Know Campaign.”
Boyd said they developed the theme campaign internally because they, “really wanted the message to be right.” He said many comments they hear include, “you’re the first person to believe me” and “you’re the first person who’s had real ways to help.”
The KNOW Campaign is designed to empower survivors of sexual abuse, rape, and domestic violence while bringing awareness to the breadth of services CAPSA offers. Messages include Know Peace, Know Hope, Know Happiness, Know your Choices, Know your Voice and Know CAPSA.
“We want to link CAPSA with hope and understanding that we’re here to serve the victims. Many people who are dealing with trauma are naturally isolated. In domestic violence, specifically, isolation is a common tool used by the perpetrator. We really want to speak to those individuals, so they know there is a safe and confidential place that is completely free for them to get help,” Boyd said.
The service awareness campaign will utilize radio, print, social media, and other channels over the next 10 months. Boyd said community members are invited to get involved. He said any businesses interested in partnering by hanging posters or doing awareness events can reach out to their office at 435-753-2500 and ask for James.
“There’s always a thousand opportunities and we’d love to partner with anyone.”
Find more information at www.capsa.org/know.