Hotline: Not Just For Those Who Want To Leave

For many people who might be in abusive relationships, taking the step to call a domestic violence hotline number might save their lives. But they don’t need to be at a breaking point or experiencing a life-threatening crisis to make the call. (In fact, if they are in extreme danger, they should call 911 before […]
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 […]
Thoughts on Writing a Blog

What is a blog, really? I have volunteered to write this for The Retreat, and I don’t know what I am doing! So, I will just reminisce for a little while. I have been involved with the Retreat for many decades starting with a luncheon in August 2000 at what was then Amagansett Eastside Tennis […]
Why Purple?

Have you ever wondered why domestic violence agencies across the United States uniformly use the color purple to bring awareness to their cause? Different organizations use unique colors to highlight and market what they champion. Breast cancer uses pink, Livestrong cancer survivors wear yellow, domestic violence uses purple. Why purple? For starters, it’s the color […]
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 […]
What is it like to talk to an adult about dating?

Each February, The Retreat honors Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month because dating violence among teens is more common than people think. 26% of women and 15% of men experience intimate partner violence for the first time before the age of 18. 1 in 11 young women and 1 in 15 young men reported experiencing physical […]
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 […]
Increasing Access for Victims

The Retreat Adds Chat Function to Website The Retreat staff is now available by chat to offer information and support to those who have been impacted by abuse and sexual assault. Reaching out for help can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never spoken to anyone about the abuse before. Sometimes it’s hard to describe how […]
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 […]