An Athlone based Garda says she's very happy to see the Go Purple initiative she began two years ago being taken on as a National Awareness Day.
Garda Stacey Looby who was based in Navan in 2020 said she thought up the scheme originally as a way for people to show their support for those affected by Domestic Violence during lockdown.
People are being encouraged to show their support around the country today by simply wearing, drawing or baking something purple, and uploading pictures on social media.
Garda Looby says the important thing is to raise awareness of the issue, and make sure people know that help is available not just form Gardaí but several other agencies as well.
''People don't know who they're talking to that might be affected by domestic abuse. Or you might be talking to a girl or a boy who knows someone else as a victim of domestic abuse and that might also help them to raise awareness about the services. They could tell a friend or family member that suffer from domestic abuse. So as I say if this campaign today in the Midlands only helps one or two people I think that's a job well worth doing.''
