Independence House, Inc. offers specialized services for victims of domestic and sexual violence age 50 and over. Services include specialized support groups, safety planning and coordination and collaboration with organizations who are serving older adults.
Elder abuse is often invisible, yet it is a growing problem which touches millions of older individuals of all races, cultures, sexual orientation, social classes, geographic areas and faiths.
Research estimates that 1 in 10 older Americans living in the U.S. experience abuse in their homes each year, and Cape Cod has the highest population of older adults in the Commonwealth, a compelling imperative for addressing Abuse in Later Life.
Abuse in Later Life includes physical, psychological, sexual abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. Harassment and stalking may also be present. Older victims are abused by:
- an intimate partner,
- adult children
- grandchildren
- other family members
- caregivers or persons in positions of authority
The majority of abuse is perpetrated by the victim’s family member or intimate partner.
If you or someone you know is experiencing later-in-life abuse, our 24/7 hotline is available at 800-439-6507, or call to schedule an appointment at any of our four offices by calling 508-771-6507 during business hours.
Independence House is also a collaborative partner to many later-in-life agencies.
An Independence House counselor is available at the following locations to speak confidentially and in a private setting about any form of abuse a person might be experiencing and to receive information and resources:
- Bourne Council on Aging on the 1st Tuesday of every month from 10:00am-12:00pm (and) the 4th Wednesday of every month from 9:00-11:00am.
- Chatham Council on Aging on the 2nd Thursday of every month from 9:00-11:00am.
- Dennis Center for Active Living/Senior Center on the first and 3rd Wednesdays of every month from 10:00am-12:00pm
- Falmouth Council on Aging on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11:00am-1:00pm.
- Mashpee Senior Center on the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 10:00am-12:00pm
- Yarmouth Council on Aging on the 4th Thursday of every month from 11:00am-1:00pm.
As a member of the planning committee for the Yarmouth Age-Friendly Community, we represent accessibility for everyone to feel safe in their homes, schools and community, and provide domestic and sexual violence outreach and advocates to victims of later-in-life abuse.
In collaboration with the Provincetown Council on Aging, Independence House co-facilitates special projects and events related to domestic and sexual violence in Provincetown.
