East Hampton - With the focus on so many other worthy causes this month, many may be unaware that October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. One in four women will be affected by domestic violence in their lifetime and that's something that cannot be ignored. In fact, as of this month, the Retreat has already surpassed the number of hotline calls received in 2010. Demand for services continues to increase as government and private funding decrease.

With these staggering statistics growing, the Retreat is honored to have the East Hampton High School Football Team dedicate their last home game, on October 29, to raise awareness for domestic violence by donning purple shoelaces during the game. Football Coaches will also be wearing purple shirts to support the work of the Retreat within the community.

"The Retreat applauds the coaches and athletes of East Hampton High School for standing up against domestic violence. Their participation in this event is a true testament to their integrity and character. They are true role models for all men in our community," stated Jeffrey Friedman, Executive Director, The Retreat.

"As coaches and educators we strive to instill life lessons on character and responsibility, the East Hampton football program is proud to team up with The Retreat to help raise awareness of this ever present problem and help teach our players another valuable lesson on what it means to be a 'real man'," stated Bill Barbour, East Hampton High School Varsity Head Coach.

The Retreat encourages the community to attend Bonac's last game and to wear purple to champion the cause and help raise awareness of this silent epidemic. The Retreat is also privileged to have Suffolk County Legislator Jay Schneiderman in attendance, who will briefly address fans at halftime on the importance of student participation in ending the cycle of domestic violence.

"We are all products of our environment. The messages we receive as children within our homes, schools and communities, form the basis of what we view as acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. I am pleased that the East Hampton High School Football team is using their stature within the school community to help convey the message that violence is unacceptable behavior," stated Legislator Jay Schneiderman.

About The Retreat
The Retreat, domestic violence services agency, since 1987, has been a community-based, not-for-profit agency that provides domestic violence services and support for victims of domestic crimes on eastern Long Island and beyond. Retreat provides a wide array of direct services, including five core services of Crisis Hotline, Domestic Violence Shelter, Legal Advocacy, Counseling, and Domestic Violence Prevention Education. The Retreat's mission is to provide safety, shelter and support for victims of domestic abuse and to break the cycle of family violence.