Domestic violence is one of our most widespread and complex social problems — first noticed by philanthropy in the ’70s, today engaging criminal justice, substance abuse, mental health, emergency health care, corporate, faith-based and immigration systems, and still not controlled. A fresh and potentially far more cost-effective approach is Close to Home, based on the belief that neighborhood social norms are influential, and that people in crises reach out first to their immediate circles: family, friends and neighbors. CTH began in Dorchester in the late ’90s with a simple message: Work with us to change community norms that allow domestic violence; stop waiting for police, courts and social services to respond; reach out to your family, friends and neighbors about domestic violence; we will help prepare them to respond effectively, through training programs, kitchen-table discussions and leadership teams that develop local prevention programs. CTH incorporated in 2002; it has relationships with 30 local organizations, reaching over 7,000 people; it has trained 60 neighborhood leaders, and organized a youth volunteers group to address teen dating abuse and the effects of domestic violence on teenagers. This is social pioneering, and you can be an early investor and partner in its progress.