Eight cafes in Maitland will sport the anti-domestic violence message on their cups during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

The cups also pose the question: “Why doesn’t she leave?”, but the words have been crossed out and replaced with “Why doesn’t he stop? No excuses for domestic violence”.

Carrie’s Place created the initiative to raise awareness about the issue.

Carrie’s Place CEO Jan McDonald said the idea behind the message was to dispel myths on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

This long-standing global day also marks the culmination of White Ribbon activism and awareness.

“It is not the victim’s responsibility [to stop violence], it is the responsibility of the person who chooses to use the violence,” she said.

“It also addresses the issue of ‘why doesn’t she leave’ because that’s one of the first things that comes to most people’s lips.

“We are challenging people to stop thinking like that.

“’Why doesn’t he stop?’ That’s what we want to change people’s thoughts to.”

Ms McDonald said the cups were an effective platform to convey the information, as coffee was a drink of choice for many people.

 She also hoped that the cups got people talking in the wider community.

“We hope to achieve the conversations about domestic violence,” she said.

“Despite the momentum it gained last year, it’s still very much not talked about.

“It is still very much misunderstood. It is still very much about blaming victims.

“It won’t go away without that conversation constantly being had, and constantly being reinforced that our communities won’t tolerate this behaviour.”

Ms McDonald said she hoped the cups also spoke to the women who were suffering and encouraged them to reach out for help.

A total of 9,000 coffee cups have been distributed in Maitland cafes as well as five places in Cessnock, Dungog and Singleton.

Seraphine Cafe owner Jenny Benning said she was extremely keen to support the cause.

“I hope it brings more awareness to something that’s often hidden,” she said.

Seraphine

Lavenders

Teale

Blackbird

Le Beau

Fused at Pender Place

Little Black Pony

House of Espresso