Helping Victims of Domestic Abuse

RadioRotary interviews Branka Bryan, Executive Director of Grace Smith House, a shelter for persons confronted with domestic violence in Dutchess Country, about 10% of whom are men.  Domestic violence includes psychological as well as physical abuse of a person in an intimate partner relationship. The abused and the abuser can each be any age, ranging from children in middle school to persons over 90 years old. Grace Smith House started nearly 39 years ago when a small group from Poughkeepsie’s First Presbyterian Church (including a church elder named Grace Smith) recognized that there was a need for housing to protect victims of domestic violence.  Today Grace Smith House also provides transitional housing, counseling, and education in the schools and the community. Victims can easily reach help by calling the hot line, (845) 471-3033, where trained volunteers will direct the caller to help. Services of Grace Smith House are free and highly confidential. Women with young children can be accommodated in the shelter as well as adults and teenagers.

Learn More

Grace Smith House: https://www.gracesmithhouse.org/

Domestic Violence Services, Dutchess County: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/Community-Family-Services/Domestic-Violence.htm

Gaslighting: https://www.healthline.com/health/gaslighting