Cessnock Community Breakfast

Safe at Home. Safe at Work. Safe in Cessnock.

Business has a role in preventing and responding to domestic, family and gender-based violence.

During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Cessnock Business Chamber will bring together local businesses, community organisations, services, schools, police and community leaders for a practical breakfast focused on one question:

What can Cessnock businesses actually do?

This is not intended to be a morning where people hear confronting statistics, agree domestic violence is terrible, eat breakfast and leave.

We want people to leave knowing:

I can recognise something.

I can say something.

I know where to refer someone.

I can make my workplace safer.

My business can contribute to prevention.

Our community can do something together.

Why Business?

Domestic and family violence does not stay at home.

People experiencing violence come to work.

People using violence come to work.

Children and young people experiencing violence attend our schools.

Families experiencing violence use our businesses and services.

Colleagues may notice changes before anyone else does.

Managers may be approached for help.

Small businesses may have close relationships with employees and their families.

Workplaces can therefore be important places of safety, connection, information and support.

But we are not asking businesses to become domestic violence services.

We are asking businesses to know what their role is - and what it isn't.

OUR MESSAGE

Notice. Respond. Refer. Prevent.

NOTICE

Know some of the signs that someone might not be safe.

RESPOND

Know how to have a safe, respectful conversation.

REFER

Know the local and specialist services that can help.

PREVENT

Help create workplaces and communities where respect, equality and healthy relationships are expected.

Safe at Home. Safe at Work. Safe in Cessnock.