Independence House, Inc. is Cape Cod’s leading resource, counseling and advocacy center to address and prevent domestic and sexual violence. The agency, which once began with just two women and a telephone to assist only women in 1979, has grown to support all demographics across Barnstable County who have been impacted by this abuse.
Along with commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Independence House, the celebration is extended to highlight the 20th Anniversary of Executive Director, Lysetta Hurge‐Putnam. Lysetta has led Independence House with her team to offer critical response programs and services that assist all gender identities, races, sexual orientations, abilities and cultures. Lysetta has guided the agency over the past 20 years to grow and collaborate with essential partners and offer resources that help Independence House assist on average, over 9,000 Cape Codders impacted by domestic and sexual violence annually.
A year‐long series of events are offered to the community in 2019 beginning on February 1st with a Virtual Contest with prizes aimed at High School students on Cape Cod. The contest incorporates an online survey about healthy dating relationships during February’s Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.
Other numerous events are spread out throughout the year including occasions that bring together communities of multi generations and cultures. Highlights are many, such as a collaboration with the NAACP to bring a soon to be announced nationally known speaker to Cape Cod; a White Ribbon Day collaboration with the Yarmouth Police Department and Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office; a luncheon with Patricia McLean, ex‐wife of singer Don McLean who escaped decades of abuse and has a new photographic and audio exhibit she will bring to our community; a 40‐site, year‐long tour of the Independence House Silent Witness and Clothesline Project exhibits; musical events including the 3rd Annual collaborative benefit with Cape Cod Synagogue; a 2nd Annual International Festival during the summer; a bowling event to Strike Out Domestic and Sexual Violence; the 5th Annual Charity Open Golf Tournament; 5th Annual Lobster Roll Cruise, and more. The year‐long celebration peaks in November for a 40th Commemorative Gala. The full schedule of events can be found on the Independence House website at independencehouse.org.
Community and business members can help Cape Cod survivors live free from domestic and sexual violence by becoming a supporter or sponsor of one or more of the year‐long events. Contact Donna Giberti, Director of Development and Marketing for details at donnag@indhouse.net, 508‐771‐6507 x221.
Independence House serves residents of all 15 towns on Cape Cod with four offices (Hyannis, Falmouth, Orleans and Provincetown); in all District and Probate Courthouses (Barnstable, Falmouth, and Orleans); assists sexual violence victims at Cape Cod and Falmouth Hospitals; facilitates prevention curriculums and programs to nine Cape Cod High Schools, and operates a confidential 24‐hour hotline and emergency shelter.
To learn more about Independence House and the 40th Anniversary, please visit independencehouse.org.