Strength, Hope, and Courage
Upon seeing the bruises his father had inflicted upon me, my son shrugged and called them “battle scars.” Those words terrified me; my beautiful, gentle child thought this was normal. If it were not for my son, I never would have embarked on the two-year journey of leaving my husband of 38 years. He was the reason I finally went to the doctor after being physically abused.
The Importance of Awareness: Recent Headlines & Your Role
Our hearts break over recent headlines, but the story of abuse is not a new one. Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is an opportunity for each of us to learn more. Adding our voice toward ending the cycle of violence. The Retreat joins the community in our profound sadness at the death of Suffolk County’s […]
What’s It Like to Call The Retreat Hotline?
We understand how difficult it is to share your experience, but we want you to know all the information you share is confidential. We are here to listen with empathy and without judgment.
Strength, Hope, and Courage: A Survivor Story
Upon seeing the bruises his father had inflicted upon me, my son shrugged and called them “battle scars.” Those words terrified me; my beautiful, gentle child thought this was normal. If it were not for my son, I never would have embarked on the two-year journey of leaving my husband of 38 years. He was the reason I finally went to the doctor after being physically abused.
Pure Good
The Retreat’s executive director Loretta Davis creates a safe space for victims of domestic violence. BY ADAM ROSANTE Reprinted from Purist Magazine ADAM ROSANTE: For anyone who’s not familiar, what is The Retreat? LORETTA DAVIS: The Retreat provides safety, shelter and support for kids and adults who are victims of relationship violence, abuse and/or sexual […]
Retreat Boutique is a Community Resource
In 2003, The Retreat Boutique Thrift Store opened its doors in Southampton (pictured here). Nearly 20 years and a few address changes later, the store continues to be an important presence in our community. Not only is it a source of income for The Retreat, but it is also a resource for all. There are […]
Abuse is NOT a Black Eye
How do you know if you, or someone you love, are being abused? Abuse can come in all forms and is not strictly defined as physical violence- that is, it’s not just a bruise or a black eye. New York state defines a domestic violence survivor as someone whose current or former intimate partner does […]
DV, IPV, Abuse: What Does It Mean?
You may have heard domestic violence, intimate partner violence, relationship abuse, and other related terms used interchangeably. You also may be wondering, “what language should I be using to describe abuse in relationships?” Historically in the U.S., abuse in relationships has been represented by solely categorizing husbands as abusers and wives as victims. The term […]
Types of Abuse
Domestic abuse is any type of behavior done to an intimate partner or relative that makes them have power over the other. These actions can be physical, sexual, emotional, financial, and spiritual. Physical Abuse This is the most recognized form of abuse. It includes physical behaviors including hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, burning, strangulation, damaging personal […]
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 […]
