Gardai raise awareness of support for abused
GARDA staff and personnel nationwide have been encouraged to draw, bake or wear something purple to help raise awareness about domestic abuse.
The force has partnered with Men’s Aid and Safe Ireland to mark Go Purple Day and support services available to those who have been affected by domestic abuse in Ireland.
Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau said: “I want to encourage every victim to not suffer in silence and to assure them that they will be listened to and all reports will be treated sensitively and in confidence.
“Organisations including Safe Ireland and Men’s Aid provide vital support services to those affected and work very closely with gardai at local and national level.
REFUGE
“Their assistance is often the difference in someone receiving the practical help and advice that they need to seek refuge from the 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.”
The initiative was first organised in 2020 by Community Garda Stacey Looby from Athlone Garda Station to help strengthen community partnerships between domestic abuse services and the Garda.
It is now a national day of awareness about domestic abuse.