Supporting Older Adults: The Retreat Launches New Abuse in Later Life Program

The Retreat is launching the Abuse in Later Life (ALL) program in Suffolk County—a first-of-its-kind initiative in this region focused on supporting individuals aged 50 and older who are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, neglect, or exploitation. In partnership with Sepa MUJER, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Riverhead Police Department, EAC Network, and the […]

Understanding Gaslighting: Key Examples and Insights

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where one person causes another to question their own perception, memory, or sanity. It’s a powerful tactic often used in abusive relationships to gain control. Recognizing gaslighting is essential to breaking free from its harmful effects. Here are some common examples: 1. Denial of Past Events A gaslighter […]

Suffolk rolls out multiagency campaign to beat back ‘epidemic’ of human trafficking Suffolk Measure to Fight Human Trafficking

By Joe Werkmeister, Newsday February 6, 2025 Suffolk County officials on Thursday unveiled a new multiagency, coordinated approach to find missing children and curb what they say is an “epidemic” of human trafficking in the county. The initiative, dubbed “Operation Safe and Lasting Return,” brings together law enforcement, social services and community organizations to break down what […]

How to Recognize Abuse Online

Digital communication is a central part of our lives, and experts are seeing a troubling rise in digital abuse within relationships. This type of abuse can take many forms, but two of the most common are cyberstalking and excessive messaging. Recognizing the warning signs is key to protecting yourself. Digital abuse may involve: If any […]

Governor Announces $575,000 for The Retreat

By Christopher Walsh, 27East.com During her whirlwind visit to East Hampton Town on Friday, Governor Kathy Hochul visited The Retreat’s Stephanie House Shelter to announce that the state will allocate $575,000 to the nonprofit, which provides safety, shelter and support for victims of domestic abuse. The money will be used for building improvements and technological […]

Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence

East Hampton’s The Retreat works on prevention from the ground up. By Jenna Lebovits, The Purist In the ’80s on the East End, talk of domestic violence was hush-hush. Pastors, therapists and school employees offered quiet, underground support. Resources in the region were scarce, yet vital, for abuse survivors, so a grassroots movement began: In […]

My Experience as a Social Worker

By Sarah Samson, , MPH, CHESProject Coordinator of Long Island Safer Bars My experience as a social worker in domestic violence began while working with families who were formerly unhoused. Most of my clients had experienced some form of domestic or sexual violence leading up to becoming unhoused. When the opportunity to work in preventing […]

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