Independence House Teens
A dedicated program of Independence House, Inc., Cape Cod’s leading housing resource, counseling and advocacy center to address and prevent domestic and sexual violence
Promoting safe and healthy relationships
The Independence House Teen Program
Teens experience many issues during their transition into adulthood. Because of teens’ unique phase in life, Independence House offers services tailored for teens/tweens 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.
Many adolescents receiving services at Independence House are seeking help with teen dating violence. Studies indicate that 1 in 3 teens experience some form of abuse in their romantic relationships, including verbal and emotional abuse, and that 1 in 5 teens who have been in a serious relationship report being hit, slapped, or pushed by a partner. *
(*Break the Cycle)
The percentage of teens in an abusive relationship who share about the abuse
Estimated U.S. High School girls and boys who admit to being physically hurt by a dating partner annually
Some Warning Signs of Abuse
- Individual counseling
- age-appropriate teen support groups
- advocacy
- crisis intervention
- assessment and referrals
- education and information about digital safety
- prevention and education opportunities
Reach out to us by any of the methods listed below. If you feel you are in immediate danger, we urge you to call 911.
Constantly checking...
Put downs...
Jealousy...
Temper...
Finances...
Isolation...
Moods...
Physical Abuse
Possessiveness...
Possessiveness is an excessive and controlling desire to have exclusive control or ownership over ones partner. It includes jealousy, insecurity, and a need for constant reassurance about your loyalty and commitment. Possessiveness can also include monitoring your activities, isolating you from family and friends, dictating your behavior and appearance, and demanding constant attention and validation.
Commanding...
Constantly telling you what to do is a form of control and an attempt to gain power over the other in a relationship. It can manifest in various ways such as making demands, giving unsolicited advice, criticizing or belittling your choices, or attempting to micro-manage or manipulate your life, leaving you disempowered or with a sense of invalidation.
How to find us
There are many ways to reach out to a teen counselor 24-hours a day.
Secure Live Chat-
in the yellow bubble on this website:
Chat securely with a teen counselor
Monday-Thursday 9:00am-7:00pm,
and Friday 9:00am-5:00pm.
Teen Texline:
508.375.5144
during Independence House business hours.
24-hour hotline:
800.439.6507
any hour of the day, any day of the week.
Offices:
Walk ins available at:
Hyannis, Falmouth and Orleans offices
during business hours
(Provincetown by appointment only)
Hyannis Main Office
160 Bassett Lane
HYannis, MA 02601
Appointments: 508-771-6507
Fax: 508-778-0143
Mon-Thurs 9:00am-7:00pm
Fridays 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)
Appointments: 508-771-6507
Mon & Fri 9:00am-5:00pm
Wednesday 9:00am-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
Mon & Fri 9:00am-5:00pm
Wednesday 9:00am-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
MassRelay TTY and ASCII
MassRelay 711
English 800-720-3480 • Spanish 866-930-9252
Once connected with a relay operator, you will be prompted with “NUMBERS PLS GA” meaning the operator is ready for
you to input the phone number you want to call. After inputting the number, type GA to indicate to go-ahead.
Independence House is a Safe Space
Independence House is a Safe Space for all people and accessible for all disabilities.
Teen Dating Bill of Rights**
- To always be treated with respect
- To be in a healthy relationship
- To not be hurt physically or emotionally
- Abuse is never deserved and is never your fault
- To refuse sex or affection at any time
- To not have sex
- To have friends & activities apart from boyfriend or girlfriend
- To end a relationship
(**Love is Respect)
Do you have a friend who you’re concerned is in an unhealthy relationship?
Do you have questions about how to be a support to him/her?
You’re already on the right track by looking into ways to support your friend.
Spring is in the Air
Spring is in the air and warmer weather is right around the corner. But everyone should always remember to be cautious of their relationships and what’s happening in them. Always remember there’s no time in your life when you can’t be affected by dating abuse, it can...