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Briain Kelly, 29 Apr
An Garda SÃochána and domestic abuse services Men's Aid and Safe Ireland have teamed up to raise awareness on Go Purple Day.
Today, Friday, April 29 is about raising awareness of domestic abuse, and the services available for victims affected by it in Ireland.
Members of the public as well as Garda personnel nationwide have been encouraged to show their support today by simply wearing, drawing or baking something purple.
Go Purple Day started in 2020 as an initiative to help strengthen community partnerships between domestic abuse services and An Garda SÃochána, and it is now a national day of awareness about domestic abuse.
Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau said that Operation Faoiseamh has focused on preventing these crimes, supporting victims, and pursuing perpatrators.
Operation Faoiseamh launched in April of 2020 at the start of the pandemic, as the lockdowns led to an alarming increase in domestic abuse incidents, with many victims stuck at home with their abusers.
An important part of the operation has been repeatedly driving home the message that support services have remained available throughout the pandemic.
"Gardaà want to reassure the public that we are here to listen, protect and support victims of domestic abuse, sexual crime and gender-based violence," Supt Noonan 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."
He added, "Organisations including Safe Ireland and Men’s Aid provide vital support services to those affected, and work very closely with Gardaà at local and national level."
"Their assistance is often the difference in someone receiving the practical help and advice that they need to seek refuge from the abuse."
You can support #GoPurpleDay by embracing the colour purple at home, while at work or among friends and family – wear it, bake it, sow it, glow it.
All those getting involved in today's initiative are kindly asked to share a photo via social media.