Meath's Go Purple Day turns into national awareness campaign

Safe Ireland is partnering with An Garda Síochána for this year’s Go Purple campaign today (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 in Meath, but this year, with the support of justice 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.

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.

“The colour purple represents love, strength, dignity and independence, all of which embrace the characteristics of a caring community that resists violence against women and girls”

Safe Ireland is calling on everyone, of all ages, to embrace the colour purple for one day by dressing in purple clothing; or showcasing purple plants, edibles or artistic creations. Virtual work teams can use purple background filters or building managers can use purple illuminations to light facades. All are asked to upload their photos to their social media platforms using the hashtag #GoPurple and to make a donation to their local Domestic Violence Service, a list of which can be found on the Safe Ireland website https://www.safeireland.ie/get-help/where-to-find-help/

Meanwhile, Meath ICA unveiled its work on the One Million Stars Project at its Federation AGM on Monday night in The Castle Arch Hotel. The project which is used to condemn all violence both physical and coercive and in particular domestic violence.

Unfortunately recent violent attacks has made this project more relevant. Among the ICA ladies who were involved in the making of these stars is Community Guard Edel Dougdale who spoke about personal, home and cyber safety, saying that domestic violence has increased during the Covid 19 pandemic, and promoted Go Purple Day.

If you are experiencing Domestic Violence and need help, support is available from the following services:

An Garda Siochana 999 /112.

Women’s Aid 24-hour Freephone National Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 341 900 (or go to www.womensaid.ie).

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre24-hour National Sexual Violence Helpline 1800 778 888

Men can call the Male Advice Line on FREEPHONE 1800 816 588 or Men’s Aid Ireland confidential helpline on 01 554 3811

If you are concerned that a loved one is experiencing abuse, or are unsure, here are some warning signs:

•Their partner puts them down in front of yourself or others

•Your loved one is constantly worried about making their partner angry

•Their partner is extremely jealous or possessive

•Your loved one has unexplained marks or injuries

•They have become more isolated from friends and family

•They seem depressed or anxious, or you notice changes in their personality