JULY 2017 INDEPENDENCE HOUSE NEWS

Independence House Volunteer Recruitment Open House
Independence House is hosting an open house on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 from 5:00-7:00pm at the Hyannis office located at 160 Bassett Lane for people interested in becoming a volunteer for Independence House.
 
Interested individuals will be able to learn about opportunities that include becoming a medical accompaniment advocate for sexual assault survivors, administrative assistant volunteers, mentors, outreach advocate volunteers, food pantry volunteers, workshop presenters and more.  
 
Applications will be available and can be submitted during the evening's open house. The open house is a way to get to know more about Independence House and our services and programs.
 
After the open house, qualified volunteer applicants will be contacted to schedule a private interview, be required to pass a security screening and complete an extensive training program which will be detailed at the open house.
 
For questions, contact Donna at  [email protected].

Independence House is Hosting a Shelter Shower
The Independence House Board of Directors and staff cordially invites you to be part of helping survivors find safety by taking part in our "Shelter Shower" to meet the portion of needs for which we must fundraise. These contributions will directly support individuals and families who are in immediate crisis and fleeing to find safety. Your generosity will help to establish a warm, welcoming and safe environment for the temporary stay of survivors who are in critical need of comfort, justice and safety.


Independence House gratefully acknowledges these generous corporate sponsors who are supporting the furnishings of some of the shelters rooms: 
  • Lawrence Lynch Corporation, two rooms
  • Cape Cod Aggregates
  • Robert B. Our Company
And, a promise by Aggregate Industries.

If you are interested in individual or corporate opportunities to help furnish some of the shelter's rooms, please contact Donna at [email protected]. 

Men's March returning to Hyannis on October 1
Please join Independence House in collaboration with the Mankind Project for the Men's March on Sunday, October 1, 2017 in Hyannis. The March, as part of a social action to be part of the solution in ending violence against women and all intimate partner violence, encourages men to take the lead and welcomes women to join them as they march through the streets in solidarity. 
The Men's March will begin at 1:00 pm at the Federated Church, 320 Main Street in Hyannis and continue on a route through the Main Street Business District, ending back at the church for a rally that includes guest speakers and refreshments. 
Suggested donation to march is $20 for adults, under 18 years old is free. Both men and women are encouraged to attend.  For posters, route map and registration information, please visit MEN'S MARCH EVENT PAGE.

Independence House 17th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Community Breakfast

The Honor of your presence is requested as Independence House,  Inc. hosts the 17th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Community Breakfast. 

The theme of this year's Breakfast encompasses Elder Abuse. Keynote Speaker, Alec Graham, Director of Protective Services at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs will address attendees along with a survivor speaker. The gathering concludes with a solemn remembrance candlelight ceremony for each of the domestic violence homicide victims that occurred in the past year. 

The Breakfast will take place on Friday, October 6, 2017 at the Doubletree by Hilton, 287 Iyannough Road in Hyannis from 8:00-10:00am. 

This annual community event is complimentary by confirmed RSVP by October 2nd, or until event capacity is reached. To reserve space please email [email protected]  (or call) 508-771-6507 x221. 

We thank The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank Charitable Foundation Trust for their "Presenting Sponsorship." 

SIMPLY DIAMOND: Neil Diamond Tribute Concert
Independence House and the Cape Cod Synagogue are joining together in a unique partnership to host a concert that will raise funds for both organizations that serve the community. 
The concert, SIMPLY DIAMOND is a nationally acclaimed band led by singer/performer Brian LaBlanc as Neil Diamond. The event will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at the Barnstable High School Performing Arts Center in Hyannis at 7:00pm. The evening will also embrace special guest appearance tributes by John Lennon, Billy Joel, Johnny Cash and more! 

PREVENTION COLUMN: Prevention of Violence is Possible.  
When someone acts in a violent way- telling misogynist or racial jokes, using demeaning language when speaking to a partner or making fun of people because they are different, it is abuse. It is a choice, and it is preventable. 

Domestic violence is a form of abuse and is a repetitive pattern of coercive and controlling behaviors that one person uses over another to gain power and control. Have you ever been in a relationship where the person you are with wants to know where you are all the time, would choose to be angry with you rather than talk to you about a problem, and doesn't want you to spend time with your friends?  This is controlling behavior. And, when it happens in a repetitive pattern, is a form of abuse.  We all need to be in charge of our own decisions and that includes not having to report our every move, not accepting anger that has no basis or wanting to spend time with another person.
 
Sexual violence is also about power and control and includes any unwanted sexual attention, sexual harassment, stalking, molestation and rape. Subtle pressure for sexual activity, deliberate brushing against another person's body, sexually explicit pictures posted in view of all, are all forms of sexual violence when not done with consent. Rape is a crime of violence and sex is the weapon that is used.
 
Domestic and sexual violence are very private public health problems.  The secrecy of these forms of abuse make it challenging to monitor, evaluate and address these issues more than other health issues. The need to address all forms of personal violence is vital because abuse does not happen in a vacuum.  

Domestic and sexual violence are supported by the messages received from TV and radio commercials, locker room jokes, magazine advertisements, or the latest fashion that emphasizes how women should look and act. 

The physical and mental health effects of abuse resonate throughout ones child and adulthood in the form of medical care, therapy, lost productivity, lost earnings, depression, lack of self-esteem and more.
 
We will be starting a series of articles on the prevention of domestic and sexual violence.  We will explore the roots of violence, sociology of violence, the intersections of oppressions, the effect on other populations, prevention vs. crisis and how the systems that are present in our culture also affect domestic and sexual violence.

Chris Morin, Director of Prevention, Education and Outreach

Confidential Message/Chat 

Independence House confidential chat/messenger is available on both the Independence House website at  www.independencehouse.org  and the Independence House Teen website at  www.IHteens.org  from Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm.

A domestic and sexual violence counselor is available to assist with questions you may have about intimate partner relationships, relationships with family members, and any form of abuse you feel you or someone you know may be experiencing. 

If you question whether you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, have safety concerns or need resources, please reach out to us safely and confidentially through our websites.

If you have concerns and prefer to speak with a live person on the telephone, our 24-hour hotline is available at 800.439.6507.

Independence House in the Community
  • On August 3rd, as part of Bourne High School's Community Partnership Event, Independence House took part and connected with students in attendance.
  • On August 5th, Independence House took part in National Night Out, hosted by the Yarmouth Police Department at Swan Pond Village.
  • On August 23rd, Independence House took part in the Back to School Festival at the Family Resource Center in Hyannis.
  • As part of the ongoing planning committee, Independence House participated in the bi-monthly meeting for Age Friendly Yarmouth.
  • Independence House, as part of the Cape Cod Chapter for the Enough Abuse Campaign, took part in a forum held at Mass Mentor in Hyannis.
  • An overview of Independence House and services for domestic and sexual violence survivors was presented to the Cape Cod Chapter of the Massachusetts Association of Public Health Nurses.
  COMING UP
  • September 14: Independence House will take part in the Enough Abuse public forum at Lakewood Hills in Sandwich.
  • September 14:  Independence House will take part in the monthly Community Health Network (CHNA) monthly meeting.
  • September 16:  Independence House is hosting a "Shelter Shower" from 2:00-4:00pm at CapeSpace, 100 Independence Drive in Hyannis for the new emergency domestic and sexual violence shelter. 
  • September 16:  The Men's Initiative group at Independence House will hold a group meeting from 12:30-1:30pm.  To be part of the group or receive more information, contact Adam at [email protected] or call 508.771.6507 x231.
  • September 16: Visit Independence House's table at the Cape Verdean Festival from 11:00am-4:00pm at the Cape Verdean Club in Falmouth, 126 Sandwich Road.
  • September 21: for four weeks:  Independence House will co-facilitate a 4-week group titled "Honoring Aging" at the Yarmouth Senior Center.  For information on the group please contact Linda Colby at [email protected] or call 508.394.7606.
  • September 24: Independence House is pleased to be presenting at the First Congregational Church in Yarmouthport.
  • September 24:  Independence House will take part in 'Outreach Sunday' at the First Congregational Church in Falmouth.
  • September 26: Independence House will host the Clothesline Project Display at Bas Relief Green in Provincetown from 1:00-4:00pm. 

  • September 26: Independence House will take part in a presentation on the Enough Abuse Campaign at 6:30pm at the Cape Cod Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. 

  • September 27:  Independence House is pleased to present at the Chatham Rotary meeting.
  • September 30:  Independence House will be part of the Dialogue with Clergy of the Brazilian Community, to be held from 9:00am-12:00pm at Independence House's Hyannis office at 160 Bassett Lane.
  • October 1: Independence House, in collaboration with the Mankind Project will host the Men's March from 1:00-3:00pm at the Federated Church, 320 Main Street in Hyannis. 
  • October 3: Independence House will present the Silent Witness Display at the Provincetown Public Library from 12:00-5:00pm. 
  • October 6: Independence House will host the 17th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Community Breakfast from 8:00-10:00am at the Double Tree by Hilton in Hyannis.
  • October 6: Independence House will take part in presenting the Enough Abuse Campaign to the Behavioral Health Summit at Cape Cod Hospital. 
  • October 17: Independence House will present the Silent Witness Display in the quad at Cape Cod Community College from 11:00am-4:00pm. 
  • October 19: Independence House will present the Silent Witness Display at the Wellfleet Library from 2:00-4:00pm.
  • October 28: Independence House, in collaboration with the Cape Cod Synagogue, will host SIMPLY DIAMOND: Neil Diamond Tribute Concert at the Barnstable High School Performing Arts Center at 7:00pm.  
  • November 11:  SAVE THE DATE... Independence House will take part in the Alternative Gift Market at the Unitarian Church in Barnstable.
  • November 17:  SAVE THE DATE...  Independence House will co-host Transgender Day of Remembrance at the Harwich Community Center from 5:30-8:00pm.
  • December 2:  SAVE THE DATE... Teddy Bear Breakfast hosted by Clancy's Restaurant in Dennis. 

Groups and Counseling in the Community
FALL GROUP OFFERINGS:

SEXUAL SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP
An 8 week group providing a safe space for any female adults who have been affected by sexual violence at any age. The group combines creative and relaxing activities allowing survivors to share their thoughts and feelings. Education and information is shared during the group, as well as, safe coping skills that can be easily utilized outside the group. Group meets on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 PM-6:30 PM starting September 13, 2017.  Contact Annie at [email protected] or 508-771-6507 for more information or to complete an intake.
 
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT GROUP
An 8 week group providing a safe place for female survivors who have been affected by domestic violence.  The group will contain both psychoeducation as well as an opportunity to process emotions.  Group topics will include understanding domestic violence, healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, anger, self-esteem, dealing with stress, as well as coping skills and gratitude.  Group meets on Wednesday afternoons from 3:00-4:30 PM starting September 13, 2017.  Contact Alyssa at [email protected] or 508-771-6507 ext. 242 for more information or to complete an intake. 
 
SELF-ESTEEM SUPPORT GROUP
An 8 week group providing a safe place to help you to build confidence, set realistic goals, recognize challenging people and their effect on your sense of self and claim your right to healthy self-esteem.  Self-esteem is your overall opinion of yourself-how you feel about your abilities and limitations.  When you have healthy self-esteem you feel good about yourself.  When you have low self-esteem, you put little value on your opinions and ideas. Group meets on Thursday afternoons from 3:00-4:00 PM starting September 14, 2017.  Contact Liz 508-771-6507 ext. 236 for more information or to complete an intake. 
 
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS CHILDREN GROUP
An 8 week group geared toward children ages 7-10 who have been impacted by domestic violence.  The group will focus on building healthy relationships.  The group will be activity based and topics covered will include feelings, self-esteem, and communication.  Pizza will be served.  The group will meet on Tuesday evenings from 5:00-6:30 PM beginning September 12, 2017.  Parent/Guardian consent will be needed to participate in the group.  Contact Abby at [email protected] or 508-771-6507 ext. 222 to participate or with questions.
 
HOMICIDE SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP
An 8 week group open to family members, close friends, neighbors, schoolmates and members of the community who have lost someone to a homicide (vehicular homicide, DUI, domestic violence, gun violence, etc.)  Our hope is to assist survivors in finding a path to coping with their pain and eventually rebuild and find a 'new normal.'  The group will meet on Tuesday afternoons from 2:00-3:00 PM beginning September 12, 2017.  Please contact Nanci at [email protected] or 508-771-6507 ext. 232 for more information or to complete an intake.  Intakes are required prior to group attendance. 
 
EMPOWERMENT BY LANGUAGE
An ongoing group designed to assist survivors of domestic and sexual violence gain confidence as they navigate the various systems and resources in the community to assist with their needs.  Clients will feel more empowered as they learn English as a second language.  The group meets on Monday evenings from 5:00-6:30 PM. Please contact Katia at [email protected] or 508-771-6507 ext. 243 for more information or to complete an intake.  Intakes are required prior to group attendance. 
 
SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP LED IN PORTUGUESE & SPANISH.  
An ongoing group for survivors of sexual and domestic violence.  The group focuses on the cycle of abuse, the power and control wheel, signs of abuse, red flags and the impact to self-esteem.  The group also assists survivors of sexual violence to recognize the impact on them following an assault.  The facilitator utilizes art as an outlet to healing.   The group will meet from 5:00-6:30 PM on Tuesday evenings beginning September 12, 2017. Please contact Katia at [email protected] or 508-771-6507 ext. 243 for more information or to complete an intake.  Intakes are required prior to group attendance.  Childcare will be provided.
 
All groups are offered free of charge and are confidential

ONGOING GROUPS AND INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING AT LOCATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY: 
  • Independence House counselors provide weekly individualized counseling for those requesting services and are residents of Gosnold's Emerson House. 
  • An Independence House counselor is available at the following locations once a month to speak confidentially and in a private setting about any form of abuse they might be experiencing and to receive information and resources. 
       * Mashpee Senior Center, 2nd Friday of every month from 10:00am-12:00pm. 
       * Health Imperatives, 4th Thursday of every month from 1:00-3:00pm.
  • Independence House counselors provide weekly individualized counseling for those requesting services and are residents at The Village at Cataumet.
INDEPENDENCE HOUSE, INC.    
24-HOUR HOTLINE: 800-439-6507 

For appointments, please call Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm:
508-771-6507

MAIN OFFICE, HYANNIS:  160 Bassett Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601
Monday-Thursday 9am-7pm, Friday 9am-5pm.  Walk-ins welcome. 

Other locations: 
FALMOUTH: 220 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Falmouth, MA 02540 
(Mon 9am-7pm, Tue 9am-5pm, Wed 9-11am or by appointment, Thu 9am-6pm,   Fri 9am-5pm, walk ins welcome)
ORLEANS: 5 Namskaket Rd. Unit 1, Orleans, MA 02653
(Mon 9am-5pm, Tue 11am-7pm, Wed 9-11am and afternoons by appointment, Thu 11am-7pm, Fri 9am-5pm)
PROVINCETOWN: 2 Mayflower Ct., Provincetown, MA 02657 (Thursday by appointment)
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To assist with 209A abuse prevention orders and 258E harassment prevention orders, Independence House SAFEPLAN Advocates are available in ALL Cape Cod District and Probate Court Houses during normal court business hours. 
FALMOUTH DISTRICT COURT: 161 Jones Ave, Falmouth
ORLEANS DISTRICT COURT: 237 Rock Harbor Rd., Orleans
BARNSTABLE DISTRICT AND PROBATE COURT: 3195 Main (Court Complex), Barnstable
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Independence House Domestic Violence Advocates are available at the  following police departments:
YARMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT: Tues & Fri 9am-12pm 508-775-0445 x2181
FALMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT: Mon, Tues & Fri 8am-4pm 774-255-4527 x4550

Independence House is a long standing
member of  Jane Doe, Inc.

Independence House is a 2017 community investment grant recipient
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