Brands that Support Survivors
There are many national retail companies that help support survivors of domestic abuse, human trafficking, and sexual assault. They do this by employing survivors, making donations to supporting organizations, or both. When you choose to purchase through these businesses, you are supporting survivors. Thistle Farms This is an amazing US-based organization that employs survivors of […]
Books for Healing & Breaking the Silence
Books are a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about domestic abuse, how to find support if you are in an abusive relationship, or be supportive of someone you know who is in an abusive relationship. Here are 10 books to start that education. The House on Sunset by Sarafina Bianco Sarafina […]
Rent Law Changes During COVID-19
By Susan Bereche, Retreat Attorney In addition to extending the moratorium on evictions (and foreclosure actions) to August 19, the following modifications of state law may benefit our clients: The Real Property Law was modified to prohibit landlords, lessors, sublessors and grantors from imposing and collecting late fees and penalty charges for any late rent […]
Legal Updates
By Susan Bereche, Retreat Attorney Unemployment & Undocumented Challenges As a result of the increasingly large number of New Yorkers facing termination of their employment, applications for NYS unemployment benefits are at record numbers. Many applicants have never applied for unemployment benefits before and are experiencing difficulty with the on-line application process. Additionally, there is […]
Important Guidance on Eviction
Important Guidance on Eviction By Susan Bereche, Staff Attorney Although we’ve already posted information regarding the moratorium on evictions, several clients have had questions regarding their rights and obligations during the pandemic. After some additional research re: housing issues, we may wish to inform our clients of the following: a) All eviction proceedings are suspended […]
Sexual Assault is Not a Women’s Issue
By Nicole Keller, Project Coordinator of LI Safer Bars As a young woman in college, I learned it was not acceptable to walk alone and I that I should always be thinking of a safety protocol such as holding my keys in the middle of my fingers, just in case. My father would send me […]
Fatherhood Transitions through COVID-19 Shutdown
By Bruce Petrucci The Suffolk County Fatherhood Initiative (SCFI) program will continue to provide services during this pandemic, but will be done remotely for the safety of our clients, staff and community members. It is during these unprecedented times that we reflect on the heart of our program which is fathers in need and their […]
Community Generosity
Message from Executive Director Loretta K. Davis Thank You So many of you have reached out to offer support and encouragement, thank you. It means so much to me and the entire staff at The Retreat. While we can’t change what’s going on in the world, we can make a difference! For those who have […]
Too Much Togetherness
Survivors of domestic violence may be experiencing increased isolation and danger caused by confinement during the pandemic. Survivors often have specific needs around safety, health and confidentiality. We also realize that people who are already more vulnerable to economic and health insecurity are facing additional challenges during this unprecedented time. The Retreat is ready to […]
Court Status
By Susan Bereche, Retreat Attorney In response to Governor Cuomo’s directive that 100% of non-essential employees work from home, as well as his temporary suspension of statutes of limitations and other time restrictions relating to litigation, most legal actions are suspended or adjourned for at least 90 days. This means that only those cases deemed […]
