Oksana Grigorieva To Speak About Domestic Violence At Upcoming Hamptons Fundraiser For The Retreat

The Retreat is a domestic violence shelter dedicated to providing a safe haven for families in crises in East Hampton. Their mission, as stated on their website, is to “provide safety, shelter and support for victims of domestic abuse and to break the cycle of family violence.” Their services include a hotline for crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, violence prevention education, crime victim insurance, and more. The organization is funded by government support and charitable contributions. To this end, they have teamed up with Artists Against Abuse and singer/songwriter and domestic abuse victim Oksana Grigorieva for their upcoming Hamptons fundraiser.

“More often than not, people are afraid to come forward and say they have experienced domestic violence,” said Jeffrey Friedman, Executive Director of The Retreat. “Oksana’s brave and personal decision today to stand with The Retreat and speak out against domestic abuse is a testament to her resilience. She is lending a voice to many people who can’t speak out for themselves due to fear. We are so thankful for her support of our critical work.”

Grigorieva, the ex-girlfriend of Mel Gibson, will speak at the Hamptons benefit held at the Ross Lower Campus Field House on Saturday, June 22. Her decision to stand with Long Island’s domestic violence victims and supporters puts her on a long list of media icons who have made appearances for The Retreat’s annual fundraising event, including Kelsey Grammer and Debra Messing. “You should never feel alone when you are in fear. I am very honored to be part of the Artists Against Abuse. It is truly a cause that is close to my heart,” said Grigorieva.

Kathleen Tait and Tony Rosenthal will serve as hosts of the 60’s themed 18th annual Artist Against Abuse benefit. The evening will feature live and silent auctions (with the chance to win various works of art, VIP tickets to the “Dancing With the Stars” finale and a one-week stay on the French Riviera among others), catering by Noah’s, and live music from the 60’s.

More information about the Retreat can be found at theretreatinc.org. For more information about the Artists Against Abuse organization and the upcoming event visit artistsagainstabuse.org.