The initiative was first launched in 2020.
People are being urged to Go Purple today to show their support for victims of domestic violence.
The initiative was first organised in 2020 by Westmeath Community Garda, Stacey Looby from Athlone Garda Station to help strengthen community partnerships between domestic abuse services and An Garda Síochána, and it is now a national day of awareness about domestic abuse.
Members of the public as well as Garda personnel nationwide have been encouraged to show their support today by simply wearing, drawing or baking something purple. The most important thing is to help spread the word about this important issue.
You can support #GoPurpleDay by embracing the colour purple at home, while at work or among friends and family – wear it, bake it, sow it, glow it. All those getting involved in tomorrow’s initiative are kindly asked to share a photo via social media.
Ms. Looby says her colleagues are there to help:
Read more: Midlands Church Launches Initiative To Reduce Prevalence Of Domestic Violence
Today is 'Go Purple Day' - our initiative in stations and locations nationwide to help raise awareness of domestic violence and the local supports available to those affected in Ireland.#GoPurple #KeepingPeopleSafe pic.twitter.com/TgbsOOuVjQ
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) April 28, 2023
Gardaí have received an average of six calls every hour so far this year relating to domestic abuse.
Over 16,500 calls have been made in the year to date - a four percent increase on the same period in 2022.
Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan believes more victims of domestic abuse are showing trust in the supports available to them:
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