Maitland cafes will once again say no to domestic violence, but the annual Carrie’s Place campaign has a new look this year.
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Instead of disposable cups displaying the anti-domestic violence, several Maitland cafes will sell Carrie’s Place keep-cups which caffeine lovers can re-use throughout the year.
The coffee cup initiative, which started in 2016, kicks off on Monday, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
The cups carry the clear statement: “I say NO to domestic violence” and are available for $15.
Participating Maitland cafes include Teale Cafe, East Deli Village Cafe and Blackbirds Artisan Cafe in East Maitland, Fused Cafe in Pender Place, Vanilla Bean Cafe and Lavenders Cafe in Maitland and Common Ground Cafe at Morpeth.
There are also cafes taking part in Dungog, Singleton, and Cessnock.
Lavenders Cafe is participating in the initiative for a second time, and cafe owner Stephanie Purdon said it was an important cause to be a part of.
“We’ve just got to get rid of this domestic violence problem,” she said.
“It’s getting ridiculous.
“I’ve never been in that position (of suffering domestic violence) and I hope I never am.
“Carrie’s Place do a great job, so the more we sell the better.”
The activity is a vital part of Carrie’s Place community awareness raising, and is also a fundraiser to help the organisation continue its important work.
Carrie’s Place manager Jan McDonald said as well as allowing people to use the cups year-round, the initiative was also about environmental responsibility as disposable coffee cups are one of the world’s biggest polluters.
She said the idea was to normalise conversation around domestic violence, which she described as a “terrible scurge” that impacted all of the community.
“This is an important part of prevention,” she said.
Ms McDonald said the cups would make a great Christmas present for any friends or family who care about helping the community becomes a safer place for all.
