Domestic Violence 'Go Purple Day' Praised For Strengthening Relations With Gardaí

Friday, 29 April 2022 06:58

People around the country are being encouraged to 'go purple' today to raise awareness.

A midlands domestic abuse service is praising Go Purple Day for helping to strengthen relations with gardaí.

People and businesses are encouraged to don the colour purple today to raise awareness of the issue - a campaign founded by Offaly garda Stacey Looby.

Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service will be visiting Birr, Edenderry and Tullamore Garda Stations today, and are also setting up an information desk in the Bridge Centre shopping centre.

Manager Anne Clarke says there are various ways you can support victims:

Starting our morning off the only way when it’s #GoPurple day. Join us by turning purple to raise awareness of #DomesticAbuse To support our service click the link below. https://t.co/PCpJtWqTQi pic.twitter.com/F3KjygGfSN
— ODVSS - Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service (@odvss) April 29, 2022

Speaking on ‘Go Purple Day’, Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau says;

"An Garda Síochána is prioritising the prevention of these crimes, supporting victims and pursuing perpetrators through specialist activity as part of Operation Faoiseamh which is led by our front line Garda members.

"Gardaí want to reassure the public that we are here to listen, protect and support victims of domestic abuse, sexual crime and gender-based violence."

He is also urging victims to not suffer in silence and reassuring them that reports of any incident will be handled sensitively and in confidence.

The Superintendent also reiterated the importance of 'Go Purple Day' for raising awareness of domestic abuse;

"Our ‘Go Purple Day’ is an opportunity to highlight their important work and share information on how victims can access their services.

"It is also a time to emphasise the possible warning signs of domestic abuse, sexual crime and gender-based violence that we can all look out for and recognise. For example, visible physical signs and changes in behaviour or demeanour and coercive control tactics."