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 […]
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 […]