Independence House Hosts Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Breakfast

HYANNIS – The issue of domestic violence was in focus at an annual event in Hyannis Friday.

Independence House’s 17th Domestic Violence Awareness Month Community Breakfast was held at the Doubletree by Hilton and was attended by community officials and residents. 

The focus of this year’s event was on elder abuse. Alec Graham, the Director of Protective Services at the Massachusetts Office of Elder Office, served as the keynote speaker.

“Abuse could come from someone who is a caregiver or it could come from an adult child through financial abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, or sexual abuse. We wanted to highlight that to the community so that they understand what elder abuse may look like,” said Lysetta Hurge-Putnam, the Executive Director of Independence House.

“In Barnstable County we have an older population so this definitely affects us in this county in particular,” Hurge-Putnam added.

As in years past, a survivor speaker shared personal stories about their experiences with domestic violence. At the conclusion of the event, a candlelight vigil was held to remember the domestic homicide victims from the last year.

“These people had a life,” Hurge-Putnam said. “It’s not just another homicide. This was a mom or a dad with children…and they’re gone as a result of domestic violence.”

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