Go Purple Day in Waterford raises awareness of supports for domestic violence victims
The coffee morning where Gardaí and domestic abuse support services came together to raise awareness for Go Purple Day 2024 in Waterford Garda Station
An initiative to raise awareness about services and supports for those suffering from domestic violence brought many organisations from across Waterford together last week.
The annual campaign, Go Purple Day, has become increasingly more successful by the year and on Friday, May 3, there were different activities on the agenda for An Garda Síochána and their counterparts in creating awareness around the available supports in Waterford.
Purple pins were provided to members of Gardaí who wore them attached to their uniform in support of the initiative.
Gardaí and local domestic violence services gathered in Waterford Garda station on Friday, and enjoyed a coffee morning as part of the activities arranged to raise awareness, which also aims to initiate conversations around domestic violence and supports.
Information stands were set up across Waterford City and County, including in local shopping centres and Community Policing liaised with local sports clubs. Along with the pins and leaflets, City Square shopping centre lit up the building in purple lighting following a request from the community policing unit. In addition to the role of the community policing officers, they also visited local businesses in places such as hairdressers, beauticians and chemists in Waterford city where they distributed leaflets and pins with the hope of providing an element of education and creating a safe space for initiating a conversation around domestic violence and services.
According to statistics recently released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the majority of sexual assault, attempted murder and harassment victims knew their offender. Seven out of ten victims of sexual assault knew their abuser. In 14 per cent of these cases, friends or relatives were the abuser and 7 per cent of perpetrators were a current or former partner.
While speaking with the Waterford News & Star, Garda Sergeant, Deirdre O'Neill explained the "objective is to help raise awareness about domestic abuse and local domestic abuse services."
"The colour purple has become closely associated with bringing about an end to domestic violence," she said.
Sgt O'Neill continued by highlighting many forms of domestic abuse, noting that it is not always physical: "Domestic Violence can take a variety of forms, it can be physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. We know that if you are experiencing domestic abuse you can feel isolated and alone, it can be difficult to know where to get help.
"An Garda Síochána are available 24/7 to offer help and support. We work closely with our local service providers, to give all victims options and help. We would encourage those who are suffering to reach out and take the first step."
"There are some fantastic support available in Waterford Oasis House, Men’s Aid, SETU, the Rape Crisis Centre and Women’s Aid," outlined Sgt O'Neill, "and of course you can call into any Garda Station to speak with a member of Gardaí."
If you think you have been a victim of domestic abuse, more information can be sought on Garda.ie on various offences and how an Garda Síochána can help.
Freephone numbers are also available for Women's Aid on its national helpline on 1800 341 900 or Men's Aid on its national helpline on 01-5543811. In the case of an emergency, where you need immediate assistance phone 112 or 999.
