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Healing Survivors Through Retreats

By Tina O’Reilly

Break the Silence holds two retreats each year for individuals impacted by domestic violence.

The Survivor Sister Retreat is for women who have survived domestic violence and are healing. It’s vital for you to have left all unhealthy relationships behind and be welcoming to the opinions of others. We’re a diverse group and stress the importance of all sisters feeling comfortable during the retreat.

If you’re considering the retreat but not sure if you’re ready, consider what Midori, our client services and resource advocate, learned from her time at the retreat. “If I have to sum up the survivor retreat, I attended last year, I learned this important life lesson: ‘I’m enough.’ I had such an amazing breakthrough upon allowing this lesson to seep into my soul after our poetry writing exercise. I went to Fallen Heroes tattoo parlor and had it tattooed on my right arm, where I look at it daily,” said Midori.

BTS provides a holistic approach to the healing journey. It’s created by survivors for survivors.

Need more convincing it’s worth the time? Cathy attended in 2018 and here’s what she has to say about her experience:

“I attended the 2018 retreat, and it changed my life because for years–during my abuse and after–I felt so isolated. I didn’t have anyone to talk to about my pain or anyone to encourage me with ideas on how to heal.  Sitting in a room with 47 other sisters who ‘just got me’ was so validating. I am inspired by my sisters who have walked this road before me and shown me that I can thrive after abuse and have taught me so much about self-care and self-love. I love what BTS stands for and how they truly understand what victims need–a family and camaraderie.”

Meagan, another retreat attendee said, “Once I burned my wedding pictures at the retreat, I felt a sense of freedom. So many sisters applauded me for what I did, and from that moment on, I knew BTS was in my life forever.”

Ready to sign up?

To apply, survivors need to complete the application. Our Board of Directors review all applications and select sisters. Selected attendees must cover their own travel expenses to and from the retreat. For questions, please email: [email protected].

The application process for our 2019 Program is currently closed. Our next Survivor Sister retreat will be tentatively scheduled for Spring 2020. To receive text notifications from us about programs, text us: Text BTS to 51555.

BTS offers a second retreat called the Legacy Families Retreat. The retreat is for family members of individuals who were killed by their abuser.

The Legacy Families Retreat provides an outlet for families to grieve; it is a safe place to share memories of your loved ones and learn how to cope with your grief. You’re in a judgment-free zone. The best part is that you’ll leave with a virtual network of support for long after the retreat ends. With a renewed strength you can use the loss to save other lives impacted by domestic violence.

To attend the Legacy Families Retreat, you need to fill out an application here.

Both retreats offer a unique healing experience for those who suffered domestic violence and empowerment to break your silence.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, there is help. You can visit the Break the Silence website at www.breakthesilencedv.org or chat with one of our helpline advocates at 855-287-1777.

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