A Hidden Epidemic

We should all be outraged about intimate partner abuse, which is violence against women 90% of the time. It’s often an invisible and tolerated behavior that has to stop.
Financial Wellness is Crucial for Survivors of Abuse

One in 4 women experience domestic violence in the United States, and nearly all of those cases include financial abuse. This is one of the primary reasons why victims are unable to leave an abusive partner or have to return to one.
The Power of Community
What’s immediately clear in Markie Hancock’s documentary about the origins of the Retreat, East Hampton’s domestic violence shelter, is that the three domestic violence survivors she features do not need anyone to speak on their behalf. What they need is to be heard.
East End nonprofit gives teen victims of dating violence advocacy, counseling

The Retreat is unique because it has a teen leadership council and teen advocates. Some of the volunteers share their stories of relationship violence and let others know there is help.
Preventing Dating Violence Among Teens

You know those candy hearts with the cute sayings? The Retreat’s Teen Leadership Council, a group of East End students that explores healthy relationships through educational activities, honest conversations, and advocacy projects, has come up with an all new version with empowering phrases.
The Retreat: Helping Teens Set Healthy Relationship Boundaries

One in 3 young people will be in an abusive or unhealthy relationship. During this Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, The Retreat’s Teen Leadership Council is working to bring that statistic as close to zero as possible.
Honoring Joe O’Connell

To recognize this pillar of the community, The Retreat will place a plaque in Joe O’Connell’s honor at the entrance of his former counseling space in our East Hampton office.
The Giving Pump At Shell In Hampton Bays And Water Mill Will Collect Contributions For The Retreat

he Giving Pump is available at the Shell stations in Hampton Bays and Water Mill — both locations have partnered with Strong Oil and Benit Fuels. Shell will be giving a portion of sales from both pumps to The Retreat, a shelter for victims of domestic violence based in East Hampton, from August 1 to the end of September.
You Will Be Okay
by Andrew Vass (Singer, Songwriter, Musician) I’ve always felt that the best songs seem to flow out of you effortlessly. That was the case with You Will Be Okay. After spending time with members of The Retreat staff earlier this year and meeting some of the most amazing, resilient, courageous survivors they have helped along the […]
The Power of Community
Originally published in the East Hampton Press, June 23, 2022, page 17. Photographs taken at the private screening of “The Power of Community: How One Small Town Stood Against Domestic Violence” on Sunday, June 19, 2022 at the Sag Harbor Cinema. Photos by Richard Lewin.