There is A Future
I came into the shelter as 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 thought when we arrived was “Mommy, we can all have our own bed now!” Before that, they had […]
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
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.
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 […]
#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 […]
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 […]
