Hotline: Not Just For Those Who Want To Leave
For many people who might be in abusive relationships, taking the step to call a domestic violence hotline number might save their lives. But they don’t need to be at a breaking point or experiencing a life-threatening crisis to make the call. (In fact, if they are in extreme danger, they should call 911 before […]
Talking About Boundaries
In any healthy relationship, communication is key. This phrase is tossed around a lot, but it’s true — any kind of relationship requires open, honest expressions of feelings and mutual respect of what is being communicated. Early on in a relationship, it’s important to communicate your boundaries. Boundaries help to define what someone is comfortable […]
Proudly Wear Denim!
For everyone who loves to wear their favorite jeans, here is another reason to wear them with pride. On April 28th put your jeans on and support Denim Day. The Denim Day story begins in Italy in 1992, when an 18-year old girl was raped by the 45-year old driving instructor who was taking her […]
Sexual Predators are Not The Boogie Man In the Closet
Headline from February 24, 2020: Harvey Weinstein Is Found Guilty of Rape. After deliberating for five days, a jury convicted Weinstein of two of five criminal charges: one count of criminal sexual assault in the first degree and one count of rape in the third degree. On a side note…Harvey Weinstein won countless awards during […]
In the Dream House: A book review
The last time I wrote a book review was probably in elementary school unless you count my Goodreads reviews (which are extremely entertaining by the way) and in that case, I do these all the time! I decided to listen to In the Dream House: A Memoir by Carmen Maria Machado after it was recommended […]
Sexual Assault: It Is NEVER Your Fault
“One night at a party I started kissing this guy I sort of knew from school. We were both drinking, and when I tried to stop him he wouldn’t let me go…before I knew it I was having unprotected sex with a guy I hardly knew. When it was over I panicked. . . I […]
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 […]