Thoughts on Writing a Blog
What is a blog, really? I have volunteered to write this for The Retreat, and I don’t know what I am doing! So, I will just reminisce for a little while. I have been involved with the Retreat for many decades starting with a luncheon in August 2000 at what was then Amagansett Eastside Tennis […]
Why Purple?
Have you ever wondered why domestic violence agencies across the United States uniformly use the color purple to bring awareness to their cause? Different organizations use unique colors to highlight and market what they champion. Breast cancer uses pink, Livestrong cancer survivors wear yellow, domestic violence uses purple. Why purple? For starters, it’s the color […]
You Can Be an Ally
Do you know someone who is in an abusive relationship or suspect that is the case? The best way to help them to show your support, let them know that you are there for them. Here are a few ways for you to be supportive and letting them know that help is available. Remember, our […]
Consent is a Process
“Back in high school, I started a relationship that became fairly serious. There were a lot of positives but as the months went by it became toxic. Everywhere I went he began to come with me. When I wanted to hang out with friends without him I would purposely lie about where I was but […]
Know Your Worth: Digital Boundaries Edition
Teen dating violence is more prevalent than you may think; 1 in 3 teens experience some form of relationship abuse in the U.S., whether that be physical, sexual, or emotional (loveisrespect.org). February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), and this month of advocacy and education is essential for raising awareness and preventing abuse before […]
#ThatsLove #ThatsNotLove
#ThatsLove and #ThatsNotLove are shortcuts for talking about healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviors. When we recognize both sets of behaviors it makes it easier for us to see red flags, take action before abuse can happen, and move towards healthier behaviors. If you are experiencing any of these unhealthy behaviors or see them happening in […]
Police Reform Survey
By Hon. Loretta K. Davis I was chosen to serve on a police reform committee, community members who represent the diverse groups comprising the East Hampton community and am now asking for your help in gathering information to aid in building community relationships with local police. Community input and responses are key to the ongoing […]
What is it like to talk to an adult about dating?
Each February, The Retreat honors Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month because dating violence among teens is more common than people think. 26% of women and 15% of men experience intimate partner violence for the first time before the age of 18. 1 in 11 young women and 1 in 15 young men reported experiencing physical […]
#HearMyVoice
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, The Retreat is taking the opportunity to share information on available services and empower our community to help those who are experiencing violence in their lives. Domestic abuse has long been an unspoken epidemic. For those suffering abuse in their homes, the restrictions needed during the COVID-19 pandemic has put them in […]
Portrayals of Abusive Relationships on TV and in Movies
Just like in real life, the way domestic abuse is portrayed in movies and on television can vary greatly and includes abuse of every kind-physical, psychological, emotional, sexual. Most recently, the HBO drama “Big Little Lies” delved into the impact of abuse on family members, friends, and the surrounding community while the 2019 film “A […]
