There is A Future

While I was a resident of The Retreat’s shelter, I received so much love and hope for me and my family. I came in a ragged 27-year-old, no money, no job, no education. I was a high school dropout, no place to call come with four shell-shocked children under the age of 10. Their first […]

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

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 […]

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

Girl drawing on pavement with chalk.

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 […]

Childhood Witnesses to Domestic Violence

young girl with arm covering her eyes

Brian Martin, who is a board member at the Childhood Domestic Violence Association, came across a disturbing finding about how infrequently people searched for the term “childhood or “child” while searching for the term “domestic violence.” While the term “domestic violence (DV)” was searched more than ever over the last decade, “childhood” along with DV […]

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