Go Purple Day events to raise awareness of domestic violence
Events are taking place across the country to mark Go Purple Day, the national domestic violence awareness day organised by An Garda Síochána in partnership with local refuges and support services.
The initiative was first organised in 2020 by community garda Stacey Looby, who was stationed at Navan Garda Station in Co Meath at the time but is now based in Athlone, to help strengthen community partnerships between domestic abuse services and gardaí.
Members of the public, as well as garda personnel, are being encouraged to show their support by wearing something purple.
Meanwhile, Meath Women's Refuge & Support Services is marking the day by recognising the efforts of local people and community groups who have supported survivors and challenged domestic violence.
The organisation has said its community champion awards are presented on Go Purple Day each year to mark the action taken by members of the community to "support survivors, raise awareness and create a culture of zero tolerance for all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence" in Co Meath.
This is the first year that the charity's awards have been developed into three distinct categories: Organisation, Individual, and Youth (16-25 year olds).
Credit Union Plus will be presented with this year's Organisation Award for partnering with Meath Women's Refuge & Support Services over many years, raising funds and opening a dedicated account for the charity.
Aoife Bradley has been awarded the Individual Award for her role during Covid-19 to ensure funds were raised by local businesses to keep critical refuge and support services open during lockdowns.
Meanwhile, the Youth Award will go to fifth year student at Coláiste De Lacy in Ashbourne, Christina Cullen who created a successful campaign titled 'Gifting Joy at Christmas', where members of the community could gift a new toy to children staying in refuge.
Meath Women's Refuge and Support Services CEO Frances Haworth said Go Purple Day marks the perfect opportunity to recognise the support the charity has received from the three award-winners.
Ms Haworth said: "We know that domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a whole of society problem that requires a whole of society response.
"These awards recognise the efforts of community members who are starting conversations, reducing stigma in their everyday actions to support survivors.
"Today we take this opportunity to celebrate Credit Union Plus, Aoife and Christina for their dedication and commitment to making Meath a safer and more equal place."
Meath Women's Refuge and Support Services provided emergency refuge accommodation to 196 women and children last year, up from 185 in 2023 and nearly double the 131 accommodated in 2022.
However, last year, it was unable to accommodate 429 women experiencing domestic violence and their children such was the level of demand for its services.
Meanwhile, in 2024, An Garda Síochána received in excess of 65,000 domestic abuse related contacts.
The force has said that the investigation and prosecution of offenders in the area of domestic and sexual abuse remains an "absolute priority".
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