Staying at home is the healthiest and safest course of action to stop the spread of COVID-19.
But for victims of domestic and sexual violence, home may be the most unsafe place.
Reports during this pandemic have confirmed that domestic violence victims are facing increased risks to their safety! Survivors quarantined at home with a partner or family member who uses controlling and violent behavior, are at high risk of being harmed.
Abuse and risk comes in many ways, including mental, emotional, and physical abuse. For children at home during this time, they will witness this violence and experience trauma that affects their emotional, psychological and mental health, and without intervention, this can affect them the rest of their lives. Their immediate safety may be at great risk too.
Independence House urges survivors/victims of domestic and/or sexual violence to privately contact them (1-800-439-6507) or ask someone else to reach out on your behalf! Please reach out! They are here for you, doing what they always do, and they are alerted to the fact that you, or someone you know, may need their services and support more than ever!
The Independence House Board of Directors is sending a message that you are not alone! Independence House, Cape Cod’s leading resource, counseling, and advocacy center to address and prevent domestic and sexual violence, is here to help you and your children, or someone you know, now more than ever!
During this pandemic, their agency is open and offering our programs and services in creative ways. Their 24-hour hotline 800-439-6507 offers immediate response to any physical or emotional crisis arising from abuse or sexual assault. Staff are accommodating communication and scheduled sessions with people in need of our services by phone. Protective Order applications and safety planning is still available from Independence House SAFEPLAN advocates or their staff attorney. Independence House Counselors and Staff Attorney are continuing to work with individuals who are domestic and sexual assault victims and are providing remote support by telephone.
To learn more about Independence House, please visit the Independence House website, call our Executive Director, Lysetta Hurge-Putnam at 508-771-6507 ext. 223, or email Lysetta Hurge-Putnam.
