City of Cambridge Releases Report from Needs Assessment on Domestic Violence Survivors of Color

The City of Cambridge has released a report based on the findings from the Needs Assessment of Survivors of Color that was announced in September 2021.

In partnership with Start By Talking, LLC (SBT) and Transition House, the City of Cambridge conducted a needs assessment to evaluate and clarify justice needs for survivors of color who have experienced domestic and gender-based violence.

SBT, Transition House, and the city’s Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Prevention Initiative (DGBVPI) created a Needs Assessment Advisory and Steering Committees, composed of City of Cambridge staff, non-profit employees, and community members. The Advisory and Steering committee members helped guide the process and received anti-oppressive training. The Steering Committee members met monthly and provided feedback about the content of a survey tool as well as the process for reaching a wide population.

"The findings of this report gave credence to what Transition House has learned from clients and understood anecdotally for some time,” said Shameka Gregory, Director of Equity and Justice at Transition House. “Survivors of domestic violence deserve options that reflect the realities of their experiences and needs, including pathways to mend relationships that were damaged due to the abuse. We are excited to continue to partner with the DGBVPI as we roll out restorative justice options to be a vehicle for healing and connection for survivors and their families and friends.”

Based on the recommendations from the report, the DGBVPI and Transition House developed an action plan that will be implemented in partnership with various community organizations and city departments.

“I am excited to support the implementation of the action items that will address the findings in the report. Cambridge has been a leader in the field of Domestic Violence Prevention and this is our opportunity to continue our forward progress,” said Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang.

For more information or to learn how you can help in the implementation of the action items, please email Liz Speakman at Espeakman@cambridgema.gov.