Know Your Worth: Digital Boundaries Edition

Woman looking at cell phone

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 […]

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 […]

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