Gardaí are taking part in Go Purple day to raise awareness about domestic abuse and highlight support services available to those affected in Ireland.
An Garda Síochána has partnered with Men's Aid and Safe Ireland for the initiative.
It was first organised in 2020 by Community Garda, Stacey Looby from Athlone Garda Station to help strengthen community partnerships between domestic abuse services and gardaí.
It has now become 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 Go Purple Day was created to bring awareness of Domestic Violence.
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) April 29, 2022
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence please contact us at any Garda Station or in an emergency dial 999 or 112.
We are here to help, support and protect. #Gopurple #GoPurpleDay pic.twitter.com/wsLUhD9xT0
Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau said: "An Garda Síochána is prioritising the prevention of these crimes.
"We are 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."
Athlone Garda Station for #GoPurpleDay.
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) April 29, 2022
The initiative was first organised in 2020 by Community Garda Stacey Looby from Athlone GS to help strengthen community partnerships between domestic abuse services and AGS. It is now a national day of awareness about domestic abuse. pic.twitter.com/F6v1sNjnoT
Safe Ireland is a national development and coordination body with responsibility for domestic violence.
CEO Mary McDermott explained that since the outbreak of Covid, communities across the country have demonstrated incredible willingness to resist the increasing threats to the safety of women and girls.
#gopurpleday #gopurpleforamber
— Amber Womens Refuge (@AmberRefuge) April 29, 2022
Wear purple & donate 🙏💜 pic.twitter.com/lKE830WT7p
She said the Go Purple awareness day is an opportunity for frontline services to partner with gardaí in their area to engage everyone in a show of solidarity and resistance to violence.
