Cape Cod, Massachusetts
508-375-5144
800-439-6507

Independence House Teens
Promoting safe and healthy relationships


Independence House, Inc. is Cape Cod's leading resource, counseling
and advocacy center to address and prevent domestic and sexual violence.

ABOUT US

The teen program of Independence House provides assistance to teenagers State-wide who have been impacted by domestic or sexual violence or who have questions about their intimate partner relationships.

learn more about us

WHAT WE DO

Independence House teen counselors offer individual counseling, age-appropriate support groups; advocacy; crisis intervention; assessments, referrals; digital safety resources; prevention and education tools.

learn about what we do

CONNECT WITH US

Independence House teen counselors are available to assist with any concerns. Counselors are available by phone, text, by website chat messenger, by email, by 24-7-365 uninterrupted hotline, and in person.

learn how to connect with us

HYANNIS (Main Office)

160 Bassett Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601
Appointments: 507.771.6507
Fax: 508.778.0143
TTY: 508.771.6782
Mon-Thur 9:00am-7:00pm
Fri 9:00am-5:00pm
Walk-ins welcome

FALMOUTH OFFICE

220 Main St. 2nd fl. Suite 200
Falmouth, MA 02540
(near Falmouth Library) parking available in rear of building.
Mon & Fri 9:00am-5:00pm
Wed 9:00am-11:00am
Thur 9:00am-7:00pm
Walk-ins welcome

ORLEANS OFFICE

5 Namskaket Rd. Unit 1,
Orleans, MA 02653
(enter on Child’s Homestead)
Mon & Fri 9:00am-5:00pm
Wed 9:00am-11:00am
Thur 9:00am-7:00pm
Walk-ins welcome

PROVINCETOWN

2 Mayflower Ct.
Provincetown, MA 02657
Appointments: 508.771.6507
All sessions in Provincetown are by appointment only.

Helping teens attain and maintain healthy relationships

Independence House offers services tailored for teenagers (ages 13-17) who have witnessed domestic violence in their homes, are survivors of sexual violence./assault, or are involved in dating realationships characterized by unhealthy interaction or violence. 

Relationship “Red Flags”

Learn more about red flags
What is accepable and what is not. Are you confused?

Types of Abuse

Learn more about types of abusive behavior
It’s no just physical. There are many behaviors that are abusive. Be informed!

Relationship Rights

Learn more about relationship rights. Know your rights in a relationship so that you remain happy and healthy as a couple.

How to Help a Friend in Need

Learn more about helping a friend
Are you concerned about a friend who may be in an unhealthy relationship? We can help answer your questions about how to be supportive.

of adolescents in America are victims of sexual, physical, verbal or emotional dating abuse.

of U.S. high school girls have been abused sexually or physically.

of young people who experience rape or sexual abuse will attempt to commit suicide.

of teens who have been sexually assaulted knew their attacker as a friend, boyfriend, or aquantance.

of teens who were in a violent relationship ever told anyone about the abuse.

of parents who said they felt confident they could recognize signs were unable to identify signs of abuse.

Prevention

Independence House partners with select community organizations, schools, faith-based organizations and businesses to promote communities and societies free from intimate partner violence through primary prevention practices. These are long-term partnerships with those who share our passion to change social norms regarding violence. 

learn more about our Prevention Program

The Nicholas G. Xiarhos Respectful Youth Relationship Program

The Nicholas G. Xiarhos Respectful Youth Relationship Program is our youth-focused primary prevention and educational program promoting healthy relationships and violence prevention among high school students throughout Cape Cod. The program is named in honor of Nicholas G. Xiarhos, son of former Yarmouth Police Deputy Chief and current Barnstable State Representative, Steven Xiarhos. Nick lost his life in Afghanistan, and was a mentor and role model to his peers and always looked out for others. 

When I came to Independence House I was embarassed and ashamed. I was emotionally paralyzed and devastated as a result of being raped. I believed I was to blame for it. I met with a teen counselor many times and always felt the safe space being with her. She provided incredible support for me and made sure I had a lot of other sources of support. Over time with the help of my counselor, I learned a lot and became stronger and now undertand it was not my fault. I became so strong that I was able to face the person who did this to me at his sentencing in court. 

As a 17 year old, I came to you looking for counseling. I had no real goals or knew what I wanted. I just knew I was feeling pretty terrible. My expectations were by far surpassed in a positive way with the counseling, respect and support I got from Independence House. The services really helped me to get a lot out in the open, and I always felt good after leaving there. You helped me to be open and not closed off. I am a happier person and I no longer blame myself for the assault. Thank you for helping me to take my life back. 

I thought it was hard to talk about being gay, but not anything close to how hard it was to ask for help because my boyfriend was abusive to me. My counselor at Independence House was amazing and made me feel worthy and safe. I felt understood and that I was a priority. I learned so much about the dynamics of healthy and bad relationships and so much about myself too. Reaching out for help at Independence House was one of the best decisions I ever made. I am confident about my future relationships being happy and healthy. 

Responding To Disclosures

Responding to Disclosures What is a Disclosure? A disclosure is telling another person about an incident or experience of violence or abuse. This incident or experience of violence may have[…]

Read more

Safety and Three Tips to Feel Safe

Three Safety Tips to Feel Safe EVERYONE deserves to feel safe and empowered. Today in our fast-paced busy world, we can easily find ourselves in a situation where we do[…]

Read more

Healthy Relationship Characteristics

Healthy Relationships When evaluating any relationship, whether it be romantic, friendship, or even a familial, it is important to consider the healthiness of the relationship. As humans, we often want[…]

Read more

Independence House is a LGBTQ Safe Space

Independence House is accessible to all people ages 5+, all gender identities, all sexual orientations, all cultures, all languages, and all disabilities.