Justice Department Awards Retreat $300K for NCC Program

Written by Taylor K. Vecsey

The Retreat, a domestic violence services agency based in East Hampton, and Nassau Community College now have $300,000 to fund a coordinated approach to combating violence against women.

The U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women awarded the grant to help establish a mandatory prevention and education program for all incoming students, as well as train all members of the college campus disciplinary/conduct board to respond to allegations of domestic violence.

“We are excited to be partnering with Nassau Community College on this grant,” Karen Ross, the program director, said. “This collaboration will help to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking, while strengthening victim services, and increasing the community’s ability to hold offenders accountable.”

Donna Bacon, who is currently an instructor at the college and brings with her 18 years of experience working with the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence, will act as the project’s coordinator. “I am proud that Nassau Community College will once again be in the forefront of an issue that is so important to our campus and our community,” she said.

The Retreat is a not-for-profit organization that provides domestic violence services for victims of domestic abuse. It runs a crisis hotline and shelter, while also offering legal advocacy, counseling and domestic violence prevention education.