16 Domestic violence is hard to talk about and deeply per- sonal. It’s also pervasive and universal, affecting people of all backgrounds, including Cambridge residents. While the executive director of Transition House, domestic violence was Risa Mednick’s adversary. She knows a problem this big can’t be solved by a single domestic violence organization quietly working alone. “Historically, shelter was seen as the antidote to domes- tic violence, but it’s a tiny drop in the bucket of possible responses,” says Risa. “It’s not the solution to an issue that’s driven by a culture of misogyny, violence, and inequity.” Transition House provides transitional housing for about 100 people every year, as well as a wide range of support services and prevention tools. CCF has funded Transition House since it started more than 40 years ago as the first domestic violence shelter on the East Coast, and only the second in the country. Under Risa’s leadership, Transition House became a partner to the city, including the Cambridge Police, the Cambridge Housing Authority, civic leaders, and nonprofits, delivering services to victims of violence and educating sectors across the city about domestic and gender-based violence. “What’s exciting about this work and about doing it in this community is the opportunity to build connections and strategies for change,” says Risa. “There’s a lot of heart in every community, but what’s different about Cambridge is we have a constellation of resources and great inten- tions here. There should be nothing that holds us back from creating true social equity in this community.” Risa stepped down from Transition House this year, knowing she’s knit together a community to help families in distress. “Everyone has a role to play in making sure our whole community is a safe, fair, and equitable place for all who live here,” says Risa. “We need to invest in each other, in community organizations that make Cambridge a welcoming place, and in community. And everyone needs to have their eyes wide open.” 16 CIVIC LEADERSHIP Collaborating across sectors to end domestic violence Transition House Transition House is a leader in the field, addressing domestic violence intervention and prevention. It serves all ages and backgrounds and works toward social equity and system change to end the perpetuation of gender-based violence. With deep roots in Cambridge for more than 40 years, Transition House’s model advances cross-sector partnerships so that ending violence is embraced as a shared responsibility and an ongoing priority. Photo by Transition House Risa Mednick Photo by Jeffrey Blackwell Social Equity