STATEMENT BY LYSETTA HURGE-PUTNAM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INDEPENDENCE HOUSE, INC.
We extend our greatest empathy to the family of 35 year old Mary (Molly) Fratantonio of Cotuit as we learned of her killing at the hands of her husband on February 28. Our hearts are with her children, extended family, loved ones and community members who knew and loved her. This is a tragic reminder that Domestic Violence holds no demographics, and that a Domestic Violence Homicide affects the family of the victim and the entire community. Independence House is committed to providing support services for family, close friends, neighbors, schoolmates, colleagues, or any member of the community affected by this or any Homicide, whether or not it is related to Domestic Violence. We know that incidents like this might also impact individuals who are experiencing or may have experienced abuse. All Independence House services are free and confidential and available to anyone in our community on Cape Cod at any of our locations, through our 24 hour hotline at 800-439-6507, on our website at independencehouse.org, or at a location of their choosing. Teens in need of support may also access our online counseling chat through a dedicated teen website at independencehouseteens.org. This week Independence House, in collaboration with the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office and the Yarmouth Police Department are hosting the 5th Cape Cod White Ribbon Day event where men take a pledge to be part of the solution in ending violence against women. Our entire community has the power to end violence against women. We look forward to both men and women joining us this Thursday in Yarmouth at 9:00am at the Cape Cod Irish Village as active participants in achieving this vision of ending violence in all of its forms.
