Originally published by News12 Long Island, posted on February 16, 2023.
The Retreat provides counseling, advocacy and safety planning for victims of domestic abuse.
The nonprofit is unique because it has a teen leadership council and teen advocates. Some of the volunteers share their stories of relationship violence and let others know there is help.
Aela Bailey is one of dozens involved in the teen leadership council and is thankful she found the organization.
“I would definitely not be in a good place because one thing I saw a lot is that TLC helps to give me a voice,” Bailey says.
Helen Atkinson-Barnes is the prevention education program director for The Retreat.
Atkinson-Barnes says girls who work with The Retreat are vital to get the word out that there is help all year long.
“We struggle to build awareness about the supports that are available and about what we do,” Atkinson-Barnes says. “So having these teens talk about the supports and about these issues is really so invaluable.” If you or anyone you know is dealing with dating violence, you can reach out to The Retreat here.
