The display is part of Cessnock Walks Kawuma 2020, which has moved online due to COVID restrictions.

Organisers invited the community to submit their photographs for inclusion in the virtual 'walk', to appear in an online presentation and on display in the former Advertiser building at 155 Vincent Street from November 25 to December 10 (the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence).

Cessnock Walks Kawuma committee member Will Doran said they have had a great response to this year's event, with almost 600 photos submitted from local businesses, schools and youth and community services agencies.

Among the faces on display will be Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent.

As a White Ribbon Community Partner, Cr Pynsent said he is passionate about the cause.

"I'm not proud of the fact our community has high domestic and family violence rates. It saddens me that this type of activity is taking place in homes across the local government area," he said.

"It is is a crime carried out often in private and sadly we never truly know who the victims are.

"It's important we acknowledge the victims and say, we are with you, we want to see and end to violence and we want to provide you with the support and services you need to be safe.

"Unfortunately now is a time more than ever that victims are suffering, with self-isolation and COVID-19.

"For some people, home is not the safest place."

Cr Pynsent said education is key when it comes to preventing domestic violence.

"It is critical that we ensure the next generation of men are taught about respectful relationships from a young age," he said.

"Education is a preventative measure, not just in schools, but it can start in our homes."

Cr Pynsent encourages the community to think about how they can be part of building a culture of respectful relationships.

"Think about how you talk to your own children, listen to how they talk to and about their peers, and consider whether it falls into the category of 'respectful'," he said.

"Collectively, we have the ability to shift the culture of violence across the region and as a community we have a responsibility to speak about and prevent this tragedy from continuing."

Photos will be accepted until Friday, and can be submitted by emailing cessnockwalkskawuma@gmail.com or messaging the Cessnock Walks Kawuma Facebook page.

The committee will be at 155 Vincent Street from 10am to 2pm on November 25, which is the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Merchandise and information about support services will be available on the day.

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