The Importance of The Retreat’s Teen Leadership Council

Teen Leadership Council group photo

By Christina, a Retreat Volunteer and College Student As a college senior, I am not exactly a high schooler, yet I attend the Teen Leadership Council(TLC) meetings as a volunteer and intermediary for the students. These meetings have impressedme in countless ways thus far. Primarily, the students are very well-versed in the signs of domestic […]

Loretta Davis Celebrates 8 Years at The Retreat

On January 26, 2023, Executive Director Loretta Davis celebrated her 8th year working at The Retreat. In honor of this work anniversary, we profiled Loretta in our Spotlight series and on our blog. We are grateful for her dedication to The Retreat and steady leadership as we strive to end the cycle of abuse.

Talking Makes a Difference

Talk About It, this year’s theme for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, engages everyone in conversations about healthy relationships and how to navigate what may be an unhealthy or abusive relationship. For those who have only been in or seen unhealthy relationships in their lives, talking about those behaviors is important because they may not […]

Why Are We Wearing Orange?

On Tuesday, February 8, we will be wearing and displaying the color orange in order to raise awareness about teen dating violence and promote the resources available to youth. Tell your colleagues, friends, and family why you are wearing orange and share information with them.

2022 Art Contest

The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence is holding its annual Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month art contest to raise awareness about the issue. The 2022 contest, with the theme of “Know Your Worth” is open to anyone in New York State between the ages of 12 and 20. Submissions will be accepted until […]

Why We Need Awareness

In the United States, the highest rates of rape and sexual assault are experienced by teens ages 12 to 19.  1 in every 3 teens in the US will be physically, sexually, or emotionally abused by someone they are in a relationship with. Nearly half (43%) of college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating […]

Types of Abuse

Domestic abuse is any type of behavior done to an intimate partner or relative that makes them have power over the other. These actions can be physical, sexual, emotional, financial, and spiritual. Physical Abuse This is the most recognized form of abuse. It includes physical behaviors including hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, burning, strangulation, damaging personal […]

Consent is a Process

bouquet of flowers

“Back in high school, I started a relationship that became fairly serious. There were a lot of positives but as the months went by it became toxic. Everywhere I went he began to come with me. When I wanted to hang out with friends without him I would purposely lie about where I was but […]

Know Your Worth: Digital Boundaries Edition

Woman looking at cell phone

Teen dating violence is more prevalent than you may think; 1 in 3 teens experience some form of relationship abuse in the U.S., whether that be physical, sexual, or emotional (loveisrespect.org). February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), and this month of advocacy and education is essential for raising awareness and preventing abuse before […]