About Us
For over 45 years, Independence House, Inc., has been sharing knowledge and skills with survivors of domestic and sexual violence in order for them to regain self-confidence, make informed decisions and initiate changes in their lives to live empowered, independently, and free from violence.
Independence House has been a consistent and continuous leader in increasing safety options for adult and children survivors of domestic and sexual violence; increasing knowledge and awareness about domestic and sexual violence prevention; elevating and improving Cape Cod’s response to domestic and sexual violence; and actively engaging with the community to end domestic and sexual violence.
Independence House services are all free and confidential.
All Independence House staff meet the statutory requirements of The Massachusetts General Laws (MGL Chapter 233, Sections 20J and 20K).
Independence House is a Safe Space accessible to all people and all abilities.
Independence House offers services in English, Brazilian Portuguese, and Spanish. Translation services are accessible for additional languages.
ALL INDEPENDENCE HOUSE PROGRAMS:
- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Individual counseling, advocacy and groups for survivors, and secondary survivors of intimate partner violence.
- CHILDREN EXPOSED TO VIOLENCE: Individual counseling, advocacy and groups for children ages 6-12 who witness intimate partner violence.
- CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE: Counseling specialized for children (ages 5+) who have been sexually abused.
- TEENS: Individual counseling, advocacy, education and groups for adolescents ages 13-17 affected by intimate partner violence, including sexual violence.
- SAFEPLAN COURT ADVOCACY: Providing assistance and support in applying for an abuse prevention order (209A) or harassment prevention order (258E) in probate and district courts.
- EMERGENCY CONFIDENTIAL SHELTER RESIDENCE: A confidential emergency shelter residence, culturally and linguistically appropriate, inclusive and accessible, providing safety, support and well-being for adults and children of domestic and sexual violence who are in urgent and critical need for safety.
- SAFEHOME & SHELTER SEARCH: Support and assistance with finding shelter and safety.
- HOUSING STABILIZATION: Stable housing and supportive services for families affected by domestic violence who are not in immediate crisis.
- SEXUAL VIOLENCE: Individual counseling, advocacy and groups for survivors and secondary survivors of rape, incest, stalking, sexual harassment, molestation, childhood sexual assault, intimate partner sexual abuse.
- MEDICAL/POLICE ACCOMPANIMENT: Support and advocacy for sexual violence survivors at the hospital or police department.
- PREVENTION: Creating a culture free from intimate partner violence through primary prevention practices.
- EDUCATION & OUTREACH: Preventing or responding to domestic and/or sexual violence through trainings and workshops; building knowledge about domestic and/or sexual violence and explaining agency services.
- HOMICIDE SURVIVORS: Support and assistance for people who have been affected by the homicide of a family member, close friend, neighbor, schoolmate, or member of the community. The homicide does not need to be a domestic violence related homicide.
Pre-arranged child care is available in the Hyannis office for survivors participating in Independence House activities.