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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Community Partners Work Together To Combat Sexual Violence In Hampton Bays
Original article by Valerie Gordon published on 27east on November 15, 2018. The Retreat is working with several community partners in Hampton Bays to help combat sexual violence in the community. The East Hampton nonprofit, whose mission is to provide safety, shelter and support for victims of domestic abuse, has partnered with the Hampton Bays […]