To mark An Garda Síochána’s domestic abuse awareness day – Go Purple Day – a media briefing was hosted by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) today, Friday 30 May, at the Swan Centre in Rathmines, Dublin.
Go Purple Day is an initiative by An Garda Síochána, with the support of domestic abuse services nationwide, to help raise awareness about domestic abuse and the supports available.
The Swan Centre in Rathmines was chosen for the media briefing as it has come on board to mark Go Purple Day over recent years, with staff wearing purple and stores marking Go Purple Day in their windows.
Go Purple Day was initiated five years ago by a community policing Garda, Stacey Looby who was working in Navan at the time, and recognised the impact the pandemic restrictions were having on people living in fear.
Garda Looby showed how An Garda Síochána and the domestic abuse services in Navan could support people to tell them that the restrictions of movement didn’t apply to those fleeing domestic abuse.
To mark Go Purple Day from 2020 to today, members of the public as well as Garda personnel nationwide have been encouraged to show their support by wearing something purple.
This morning’s media briefing brought attention to the great work being done in this area, but also highlighted the most recent domestic abuse statistics, which demonstrate that the issue of domestic abuse is still extremely significant in 2025:
- To date in 2025 there have been over 21,000 domestic abuse related contacts received by An Garda Síochána; at the end of 2024, that figure stood at 65,000.
- Ireland is one of only three countries which has introduced a specific offence for coercive control and since its introduction, there have been 52 prosecutions for this crime.
- The Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 saw the introduction of new standalone offences for stalking, non-fatal strangulation, and non-fatal suffocation. Since the offence of non-fatal strangulation was introduced on 1 November 2023 there have been 67 prosecutions for this offence, 58 of which relate to domestic abuse.
- Researchers and law enforcement professionals have determined that non-fatal strangulation is a leading indicator of escalating violence in a relationship and is a significant risk factor for homicide in women. Some may think that immense effort is required to strangle a person, when in fact strangulation can lead to death within 60 seconds.
- An Garda Síochána have initiated 12 prosecutions for the new offence of stalking since this offence was introduced, 6 of which relate to domestic abuse.
Speaking at today’s media briefing, Detective Chief Superintendent from the Garda National Protective Services Bureau, Colm Noonan, said;
“The reality is that while the number of people reaching out to An Garda Síochána is increasing which we see as a positive reflection of the trust and confidence people have in us, we also know that there are hundreds of people who still can’t make that call to their local Garda station, to let us know that they need help.
“If domestic abuse exists in a relationship or in a family, it will always be present and if there is no crisis incident it is not because all is well, it is because the victim has made themselves as compliant as possible.
“We know that domestic abuse has a cruelty and a relentlessness to it; it destroys every part of a person’s life. We understand that domestic abuse forces a person to stay silent and therefore contacting Gardaí can be daunting. We want to reassure women, men and children that you are not alone and help is out there.
“This is why An Garda Síochána has this campaign in partnership with the dedicated support services, who are located in every community, along with the national services who have a 24/7 presence. It is hoped that this increased visibility and outreach will lead to an increase in reports of domestic abuse so that we can continue to keep people safe.
“Go Purple Day is a simple, yet effective initiative started by one Garda’s desire to help, which is something we see daily from dedicated Gardaí all around the country. I want to reassure everyone that we will listen; we will advise; we will support; and we will investigate and prosecute perpetrators. We are here no matter what, day or night. An Garda Síochána has zero tolerance for victim blaming – nobody has the right to abuse you.
“Too often we have heard from victims who have said that they are alone and have nowhere to go. That is why today is so important to shine a light for those who have had every light turned out on them and who can’t see a way through.”
Leanne Ryan, Service Manager with Saoirse Domestic Violence Services which works in Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare also spoke at today’s briefing:
“Go Purple Day gives us an opportunity to engage with An Garda Síochána in a way that is very progressive for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and the relationships that we’ve built with members of An Garda Síochána over the years are further strengthened by Go Purple Day.
“Day to day, we see the very practical support provided by An Garda Síochána in this area – from Gardaí supporting victims into crisis accommodation to supporting victims on journeys through referrals to other support services in Saoirse. Building a strong relationship with An Garda Síochána has allowed victims and survivors of domestic violence to have better and safer outcomes.”
You can support #GoPurpleDay by embracing the colour purple at home, while at work or among friends and family – wear it, paint it or bake it.
Those getting involved in the initiative are encouraged to share a photo via social media using the hashtag #GoPurpleDay2025.
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