Esker House’s 'Purple Hand' campaign continues to expand

The Purple Hand campaign developed by Esker House Domestic Abuse Support Service, continues to go from strength to strength and has now been rolled out in Kerry.

Developed under the Esker Project, the campaign equips organisations with the knowledge and confidence to recognise abuse, respond safely, and refer individuals to specialist supports. As well as operating across Westmeath, the initiative has also been expanded to Laois and Kildare and is now being rolled out at Adapt Kerry Women's Refuge and Support Service.

The Kerry service joins Teach Tearmainn (Kildare) and Laois Domestic Abuse Service (LDAS) in rolling out the training as paert of the campaign’s mission to build zero-tolerance communities and create safe, informed spaces for those experiencing domestic abuse.

Purple Hand was born from a need to make homes and communities safer for victims and survivors of gender-based violence, not just in emergencies, but in everyday moments. Since its launch, more than 500 Purple Hand Champions have been trained across over 60 organisations, including emergency services, sporting clubs, community centres, healthcare teams, local businesses, and state agencies.

Last year, the campaign partnered with both the Sheraton Athlone Hotel and the Hodson Bay Hotel, while local crèches and early years providers have also embraced the Purple Hand Champion training. Early years educators often develop close, trusting relationships with parents, making these settings crucial places for awareness and early support.

“The Purple Hand Champion Campaign is about much more than training, it is about shifting culture, A Purple Hand Champion isn’t a professional role, it’s a community commitment.” said Deirdre Berry, Head of Services at Esker House, who described the level of engagement from organisations as phenomenal.”

Kelsey Tobin, Training & Community Engagement Officer at Esker House welcomed Adapt Kerry into the Purple Hands community and said each new partnership “strengthens our regional network and brings us closer to our goal, a society where understanding, safety and support are always within reach.” Esker House, Adapt Kerry, Teach Tearmainn, and LDAS encourage businesses, community groups, and organisations across Ireland to take part and help build a nationwide network of trained, visible, and trusted safe spaces.

To get involved or learn more contact: Esker House Domestic Abuse Support Service (Westmeath, Freephone Helpline 1800 66 22 88/office line 090 64 741 22, eskerproject@eskerhouse.ie;

Adapt Kerry Women’s Refuge & Support Service (Kerry): 066 712 9100, info@adaptkerry.ie

Laois Domestic Abuse Service (Laois): 057 86 71100, lina laoisdomesticabuseservice.ie;

Teach Tearmainn Domestic Violence Support Service (Kildare), 1800 91 91 91: helpline@teachtearmainn.ie