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.
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 […]
Talking About Boundaries
In any healthy relationship, communication is key. This phrase is tossed around a lot, but it’s true — any kind of relationship requires open, honest expressions of feelings and mutual respect of what is being communicated. Early on in a relationship, it’s important to communicate your boundaries. Boundaries help to define what someone is comfortable […]
#ThatsLove #ThatsNotLove
#ThatsLove and #ThatsNotLove are shortcuts for talking about healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviors. When we recognize both sets of behaviors it makes it easier for us to see red flags, take action before abuse can happen, and move towards healthier behaviors. If you are experiencing any of these unhealthy behaviors or see them happening in […]
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 […]
