A White Ribbon breakfast was hosted by Cessnock Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with BPW Cessnock at Cessnock Leagues Club last Tuesday, raising $500 for local women’s refuge Jodie’s Place.

BPW partners with the White Ribbon Foundation as one of its initiatives to take action for women’s equality.

“One of our powers is to make a difference,” BPW Cessnock president Sheila Turnbull said.

“The White Ribbon is a symbol of your commitment to break the silence of men’s violence against women.

“We need men to stand up and swear that they will not commit or tolerate domestic violence.”

Cessnock has two White Ribbon ambassadors – Mayor Bob Pynsent and State Member Clayton Barr.

“As the Mayor I have realised domestic violence is something Cessnock people do really well - and I’m ashamed of that,” Cr. Pynsent said.

The Mayor called on others to join him and make the oath and “do whatever we can to make our town a better place.”

Hunter Domestic Violence Support and Advisory Services (HDVSAS) chairperson, Paula Mudd, reported on the progress of Jodie’s Place, the first women’s refuge in the Cessnock LGA which opened in July.

“There was a huge need for a refuge in Cessnock – we were turning women away, one lady who had five children and two dogs living in their car,” Ms. Mudd said.

On that note, she announced that Jodie’s Place will be opening a pet area in the near future.

The service provides clothing and toys for children, and furniture for the women once they find a new home.

“It’s a sad thing on our society that we do need a place like Jodie’s Place, but where else are they meant to go?” Ms. Mudd said.

HDVSAS volunteers will be handing out white ribbons in the Cessnock CBD on Tuesday, November 25 – United Nations Intern­ational Day for the elimination of violence against women.

A number of local police vehicles will display white ribbons on Tuesday in support of the campaign.

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See www.white­ribbon.org.au for more information.