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.

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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.

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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.

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Where we are located

HYANNIS (Main Office)

160 Bassett Lane
HYannis, MA 02601
Appointments: 508-771-6507
Fax: 508-778-0143
TTY: 508-771-6782
Mon-Thurs 9:00am-7:00pm
Fridays 9:00am-5:00pm
Walk-ins welcome

FALMOUTH OFFICE

220 Main Street 2nd fl. Suite 220
Falmouth, MA 02540
(near Falmouth Library)
(parking available in rear of bldg.)
Appointments: 508-771-6507
Mondays & Fridays 9:00am-5:00p
Wednesday 9:00-11:00am
Tues. & Thurs. 9:00am-7:00pm
Walk-ins welcome

ORLEANS OFFICE

5 Namskaket Rd. Unit 1
(enter on Child’s Homestead)
Orleans, MA 02653
Appointments: 508-771-6507
Mondays & Fridays 9:00am-5:00p
Wednesday 9:00-11:00am
Tues. & Thurs. 11:00am-7:00pm
Walk-ins welcome

PROVINCETOWN OFFICE

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 relationships characterized by unhealthy interaction or violence.

RELATIONSHIP ‘RED FLAGS’

Learn more about red flags

What is acceptable and what is not. Are you confused?

RELATIONSHIP RIGHTS

Learn more about relationship rights

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

TYPES OF ABUSE

Learn more about types of abusive behavior

It’s not just physical. There are many behaviors that are abusive. Be informed!

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.

Did You Know?

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 teen girls who have
been sexually assaulted
knew their attacker as a
friend, boyfriend or
aquaintance.

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 Xiarhos, son of Yarmouth Police Deputy Chief Steven Xiarhos, who lost his life in Afghanistan. Nick was a mentor and role model to his peers and always looked out for others.

Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP)

Independence House staff is certified to deliver the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) curriculum to high school students. The curriculum incporporates training on raising awareness and inspiring leadership around preventing violence, teen dating violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment and gender stereotypes. Students work during the school year on projects that empower them and raise awareness among their peers.

Watch student PSA 1 Watch Student PSA 2

Prevention Program Funding

The Independence House Prevention, Education & Outreach Program is funded by the Department of Public Health (DPH) Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) is partially funded by grants received from the Verizon Foundation.

MVP Schools on Cape Cod

Independence House certified MVP facilitators currently present the MVP curriculum to the following ten Cape Cod High Schools: Barnstable High School, Bourne High School, Cape Cod Technical High School, Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, Falmouth High School, Mashpee High School, Monomoy Regional High School, Sandwich High School, Sturgis East Charter Public School, and Sturgis West Charter Public School.

Special words from teen survivors

When I came to Independence House I was embarrassed 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 with the help of my counselor, I learned a lot and became stronger and now understand 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.

Rebecca

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.

Tamara

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.