Career-Styling Workshop Empowers Stephanie House Clients at The Retreat Boutique
Clients at Stephanie House, The Retreat’s emergency residential shelter, receive more than just safety—they’re supported with free counseling, legal advocacy, financial empowerment, and education as they begin to rebuild their lives. One inspiring offering is the Career-Styling Workshop, designed to boost confidence and prepare participants for professional opportunities. The most recent session—held at The Retreat […]
Supporting Older Adults: The Retreat Launches New Abuse in Later Life Program
The Retreat is launching the Abuse in Later Life (ALL) program in Suffolk County—a first-of-its-kind initiative in this region focused on supporting individuals aged 50 and older who are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, neglect, or exploitation. In partnership with Sepa MUJER, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Riverhead Police Department, EAC Network, and the […]
Understanding Gaslighting: Key Examples and Insights
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where one person causes another to question their own perception, memory, or sanity. It’s a powerful tactic often used in abusive relationships to gain control. Recognizing gaslighting is essential to breaking free from its harmful effects. Here are some common examples: 1. Denial of Past Events A gaslighter […]
Bystander: What to Do When a Friend or Relative Is in a Harmful Relationship
Many people in abusive relationships may not recognize the abuse or may feel unable to leave. If you suspect that a friend or loved one is experiencing abuse, your support can make a powerful difference. Remember: the decision to stay or leave ultimately lies with them. Your role is to be a consistent, compassionate presence. […]
How to Recognize Abuse Online
Digital communication is a central part of our lives, and experts are seeing a troubling rise in digital abuse within relationships. This type of abuse can take many forms, but two of the most common are cyberstalking and excessive messaging. Recognizing the warning signs is key to protecting yourself. Digital abuse may involve: If any […]
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TRANSITION AT THE RETREAT
LORETTA DAVIS TO STEP DOWN AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CATE CARBONARO TO BECOME NEW LEAD EAST HAMPTON, NY (OCTOBER 7, 2024) After ten years leading The Retreat through dramatic growth and assisting thousands of victims of domestic violence across Suffolk County, Loretta Davis has made the decision to step down as Executive Director at the end […]
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul Visits The Retreat to Announce it will Receive $575,000 for Critical Building Improvements
On August 9, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul visited The Retreat’s Stephanie House Shelter to announce that the State will allocate $575,000 to The Retreat. The funds will be used for building improvements and technological upgrades to the shelter and the organization’s East Hampton administrative office. Governor Hochul addressed a small group of Retreat […]
Understanding Our Community: A Call to Address Youth Dating Violence
At the heart of every community lies a web of relationships—connections that shape our experiences, our well-being, and our sense of safety. Yet, for some, these relationships can become fraught with challenges, leading to potentially unhealthy or abusive relationships. In the face of such issues, organizations like The Retreat seek to understand, educate, and provide […]
My Experience as a Social Worker
By Sarah Samson, , MPH, CHESProject Coordinator of Long Island Safer Bars My experience as a social worker in domestic violence began while working with families who were formerly unhoused. Most of my clients had experienced some form of domestic or sexual violence leading up to becoming unhoused. When the opportunity to work in preventing […]
Teaching Teens How to Ask for Help
By Christina, a Retreat Volunteer and College Student In light of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, the Retreat’s Teen Leadership Council (TLC) received training on how to ask for help when experiencing unhealthy or abusive behaviors in relationships. TLC learned to make a Resilience Plan consisting of three different groups of people–parents/other trusted adults, peers, […]