Carlow and Kilkenny to Go Purple while raising awareness of domestic abuse

Carlow and Kilkenny will Go Purple today to raise awareness of domestic abuse.

It’s a nationwide initiative by An Garda Síochána, aided by a host of services and the hope is to have shops, businesses and individuals don the colour in some way to indicate support and to highlight the assistance that’s needed. (If you need it, you’ll find contact information on the KCLR Helpline page)

Coffee mornings take place from 10am at the Forward Steps Family Resource Centre in Tullow then from 11am at its sister FRC including St Catherine’s in Carlow town, Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre with the Hens Forge Womens’ Shed crew at Community House John Sweeney House and a number of other events including this one at the Market Cross Shopping Centre in Kilkenny;

Superintendent Anthony Farrell, Carlow Gardaí said; “Go Purple Day is an important opportunity for An Garda Síochána to highlight domestic violence as a crime and work alongside Carlow Local Community Safety Partnership and Amber Domestic Abuse CLG in continuing to support victims of this crime. If you are a victim of domestic violence or indeed know a victim of domestic violence, please have the confidence to come forward to An Garda Síochána, Amber Domestic Abuse CLG or someone you know. Together as a community we are here to support you every step of the way – you are not alone.”

Cllr. Michael Doran, Chairperson, Carlow Local Community Safety Partnership said: “Domestic abuse has a profound impact on individuals, families and communities. By working together with An Garda Síochána and Amber Domestic Abuse CLG, we can help ensure that awareness of supports continues to grow locally. Initiatives like Go Purple Day play an important role in encouraging conversation, reducing stigma, and letting people know that help is available.”

Alongside Go Purple Day activities, Amber Domestic Abuse CLG will also launch the One Million Stars Carlow Project, a community arts initiative focused on hope, healing and solidarity, funded by Creative Ireland. Tickets are limited, please book below to be part of this exciting new programme in Carlow Town Hall.

On yesterday’s The KCLR Daily, our Brian Redmond was joined by representatives of An Garda Síochána, Amber and Newpark Close Family Resource Centre – listen back to that here;