Sharing Hope

The Retreat helped me in the darkest of times. I happened upon their doorstep very scared, anxiety-ridden, dazed, and without a clue of how to go about getting protection from my spouse. I felt as if I was all alone in the world and none of my family or friends would understand. I was embarrassed. […]

Panel Discussion on Domestic Violence Set for Sunday at Sag Harbor Cinema

Behind Closed Doors panel discussion at Sag Harbor Cinema on October 24, 2021

There is perhaps no subject as taboo or difficult to talk about as intimate partner violence. Ruled by fear or shame, victims will go to great lengths to keep abuse a secret, even from a therapist or trusted friends and family members. Often, the public never knows someone is suffering — or only finds out […]

I Was The Woman Next Door

Being a mother, you want to keep your children safe. I was devasted and so heartbroken when I realized that my child heard the abuse all the time. I was so hurt for her. She heard the obscenities, she saw the pain in my eyes. She saw her mother be broken down. As a mother, […]

What Would You Do? How to Intervene

by Olivia Suter Every October, advocates, survivors, and supporters recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), and this year’s campaign is #Every1KnowsSome1. This campaign highlights just how common intimate partner violence (IPV) is and how it is more than just physical violence. #Every1KnowsSome1, but how can we best support them? The Retreat’s Teen Leadership Council (TLC) […]

DV is the Leading Cause of Homelessness Among Women

by Ellie Kurrus Can you imagine having to make a choice between staying in your home with an abusive partner or homelessness? This is the decision many survivors of domestic violence experience every day. Perpetrators of domestic violence tend to use violence to gain control and power over their partner. In addition to physical abuse, […]

Brought Back to Life

Woman on beach at sunset

The Retreat has brought me back to life. A life I thought was miles away. They helped me feel who I really am. I really never was able to have friends in my life due to my abuse in the past and present. The staff made me feel like I am worth being in this […]

Macaroni Kid Hamptons .ORG of the Month- THE RETREAT

October is filled with school picture day, Columbus Day, Halloween, Fall sports, but October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).  It’s a sensitive subject that no one really likes to talk about or some are afraid to talk about but it’s real and it’s here.  The Retreat celebrates DVAM with information, stories, videos, and more […]

The Importance of Awareness: Recent Headlines & Your Role

Purple Ribbon

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 […]