Go Purple Day is taking place this Friday, April 29. The brainchild of Garda Stacey Looby, who is stationed in Athlone, the initiative was created to highlight the societal support for victims of domestic violence.As part of the initiative, Westmeath County Council’s Community Development Section held a meet and greet event in Áras an Chontae, Mullingar yesterday, Monday, where representatives from local groups explained their role in the community and what supports they have to offer.Pictured at the event, were, back from left, Sgt Patrick Hannon, Martin Marshall (TEAM), Brigid Geoghegan (Healthy Community Local Development Officer), Holly Foley (Westmeath Support Service Against Domestic Violence), Annette Barr Jordan (Community Section WCC) Garda Neil Donnelan, Garda Fiona Walsh, Mary Kennedy (Teach Fáilte), Rita Culligan (Tusla) and Sgt Brian Stones. Front from left, Roger Nicholson, Supt David Nolan, Cathaoirleach Frankie Keena, Sgt Brendan Noone and Bernadine Quinn [Outcomers LGBTQ Support Group].

Go Purple for Domestic Violence tomorrow

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Safe Ireland is partnering with An Garda Síochána for this year’s Go Purple campaign tomorrow, Friday 29th April, to create national awareness of domestic abuse and to consolidate community partnerships between Domestic Violence Services and An Garda Síochána.

The event was piloted last year as a local initiative by Garda Stacey Looby, who is based in Athlone. However this year, with the support of Minister Helen McEntee, the campaign is being rolled out across the country.

Safe Ireland is calling on people to show support for victims of domestic violence by going purple at home, in the workplace or the community, and in turn to donate to their local domestic violence support service.

Speaking to the campaign, CEO Mary McDermott explained that communities have always been crucial to the local response to domestic abuse, but 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. The Go Purple awareness day is an opportunity for frontline services to partner with the Gardaí in their area to engage everyone in a show of solidarity and resistance to violence.

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