Latest news with #StaceyLooby
Irish Independent
19 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Wexford Gardaí highlight the importance of showing solidarity with those affected by domestic abuse
'Go Purple' is a national campaign aimed at raising awareness about domestic violence and the supports available to victims. The initiative was first organised in 2020 by community garda Stacey Looby in Navan Garda Station. Each year, it encourages both garda personnel and participants to wear the colour purple. An Garda Síochana revealed that in 2024, an excess of 65,000 domestic abuse related contacted the Gardaí – an average of 2,250 reports each week. They have observed an increase in reporting rates of domestic abuse year on year. Enniscorthy Gardaí made sure to do their part by inviting in members of Wexford County Council to discuss the issue on Friday, May 30. Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and Cllr Mary Farrell were welcomed into the Enniscorthy station by Superintendent David O'Sullivan, Garda Maeve Hanlon, Garda Emma Walsh, and Inspector Liam Kavanagh. Wexford Garda Station also encouraged people to speak to each other and to share their experiences with those close to them. "Above all, we are asking that you speak to one another about this issue. Without realising, you might just give someone the crucial support they've needed to begin to share some of the fear they deal with alone,' they said. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please contact or speak with any officer at your nearest Garda Station. In an emergency or immediate danger, please call 999/112.
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Gardaí initiate 12 prosecutions for stalking in 19 months since it became an offence
Gardaí have initiated 12 prosecutions for the new offence of stalking since it was introduced, while 21,000 domestic abuse-related contacts have been made with the force so far this year. It also said that six of the stalking prosecutions relate to domestic abuse. The figures were released as part of Friday's so-called Go Purple Day, which is the Gardai's national domestic abuse awareness day. They say while there have been over 21,000 domestic abuse-related contacts this year, there were some 65,000 in total last year. As well as the new stalking offence leading to prosecutions, the introduction of a specific offence for coercive control has seen 52 prosecutions since it was introduced in 2019. The Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 also saw the introduction of other new standalone offences for stalking, non-fatal strangulation, and non-fatal suffocation. Since the offence of non-fatal strangulation was introduced in November 2023, there have been 67 prosecutions, 58 relating to domestic abuse. Gardai said researchers and law enforcement professionals have determined that 'non-fatal strangulation is a leading indicator of escalating violence in a relationship'. They said it is also a significant risk factor for homicide in women. Gardai said: Some may think that immense effort is required to strangle a person, when in fact strangulation can lead to death within 60 seconds. Go Purple Day was initiated five years ago by a community policing garda Stacey Looby, who was working in Navan at the time, and who had recognised the impact pandemic restrictions were having on people living in fear. She showed how gardaí and domestic abuse support 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. Gardaí say the most recent domestic abuse statistics 'demonstrate the issue of domestic abuse is still extremely significant in 2025'. Detective Chief Superintendent from the Garda National Protective Services Bureau, Colm Noonan, said: '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. '(But) we also know 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. 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 domestic abuse has a cruelty and a relentlessness to it. It destroys every part of a person's life. We want to reassure women, men and children that you are not alone and help is out there.' Read More Four in 10 women have been harassed or felt threatened in sports or exercise, survey reveals
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- RTÉ News
Go Purple Day events to raise awareness of domestic violence
Events are taking place across the country to mark Go Purple Day, the national domestic violence awareness day organised by An Garda Síochána in partnership with local refuges and support services. The initiative was first organised in 2020 by community garda Stacey Looby, who was stationed at Navan Garda Station in Co Meath at the time but is now based in Athlone, to help strengthen community partnerships between domestic abuse services and gardaí. Members of the public, as well as garda personnel, are being encouraged to show their support by wearing something purple. Meanwhile, Meath Women's Refuge & Support Services is marking the day by recognising the efforts of local people and community groups who have supported survivors and challenged domestic violence. The organisation has said its community champion awards are presented on Go Purple Day each year to mark the action taken by members of the community to "support survivors, raise awareness and create a culture of zero tolerance for all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence" in Co Meath. This is the first year that the charity's awards have been developed into three distinct categories: Organisation, Individual, and Youth (16-25 year olds). Credit Union Plus will be presented with this year's Organisation Award for partnering with Meath Women's Refuge & Support Services over many years, raising funds and opening a dedicated account for the charity. Aoife Bradley has been awarded the Individual Award for her role during Covid-19 to ensure funds were raised by local businesses to keep critical refuge and support services open during lockdowns. Meanwhile, the Youth Award will go to fifth year student at Coláiste De Lacy in Ashbourne, Christina Cullen who created a successful campaign titled 'Gifting Joy at Christmas', where members of the community could gift a new toy to children staying in refuge. Meath Women's Refuge and Support Services CEO Frances Haworth said Go Purple Day marks the perfect opportunity to recognise the support the charity has received from the three award-winners. Ms Haworth said: "We know that domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a whole of society problem that requires a whole of society response. "These awards recognise the efforts of community members who are starting conversations, reducing stigma in their everyday actions to support survivors. "Today we take this opportunity to celebrate Credit Union Plus, Aoife and Christina for their dedication and commitment to making Meath a safer and more equal place." Meath Women's Refuge and Support Services provided emergency refuge accommodation to 196 women and children last year, up from 185 in 2023 and nearly double the 131 accommodated in 2022. However, last year, it was unable to accommodate 429 women experiencing domestic violence and their children such was the level of demand for its services. Meanwhile, in 2024, An Garda Síochána received in excess of 65,000 domestic abuse related contacts. The force has said that the investigation and prosecution of offenders in the area of domestic and sexual abuse remains an "absolute priority".
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- RTÉ News
Events to take place to mark Go Purple Day
Events will take place across the country to mark Go Purple Day, the national domestic violence awareness day organised by An Garda Síochána in partnership with local refuges and support services. The initiative was first organised in 2020 by community garda Stacey Looby, who was stationed at Navan Garda Station in Co Meath at the time but is now based in Athlone, to help strengthen community partnerships between domestic abuse services and gardaí. Members of the public, as well as garda personnel, are being encouraged to show their support by wearing something purple. Meanwhile, Meath Women's Refuge & Support Services will mark the day by recognising the efforts of local people and community groups who have supported survivors and challenged domestic violence. The organisation has said its community champion awards are presented on Go Purple Day each year to mark the action taken by members of the community to "support survivors, raise awareness and create a culture of zero tolerance for all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence" in Co Meath. This is the first year that the charity's awards have been developed into three distinct categories: Organisation, Individual, and Youth (16-25 year olds). Credit Union Plus will be presented with this year's Organisation Award for partnering with Meath Women's Refuge & Support Services over many years, raising funds and opening a dedicated account for the charity. Aoife Bradley has been awarded the Individual Award for her role during Covid-19 to ensure funds were raised by local businesses to keep critical refuge and support services open during lockdowns. Meanwhile, the Youth Award will go to fifth year student at Coláiste De Lacy in Ashbourne, Christina Cullen who created a successful campaign titled 'Gifting Joy at Christmas', where members of the community could gift a new toy to children staying in refuge. Meath Women's Refuge and Support Services CEO Frances Haworth has said Go Purple Day marks the perfect opportunity to recognise the support the charity has received from the three award-winners. Ms Haworth said: "We know that domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a whole of society problem that requires a whole of society response. "These awards recognise the efforts of community members who are starting conversations, reducing stigma in their everyday actions to support survivors. "Today we take this opportunity to celebrate Credit Union Plus, Aoife and Christina for their dedication and commitment to making Meath a safer and more equal place." Meath Women's Refuge and Support Services provided emergency refuge accommodation to 196 women and children last year, up from 185 in 2023 and nearly double the 131 accommodated in 2022. However, last year, it was unable to accommodate 429 women experiencing domestic violence and their children such was the level of demand for its services. Meanwhile, in 2024, An Garda Síochána received in excess of 65,000 domestic abuse related contacts. The force has said that the investigation and prosecution of offenders in the area of domestic and sexual abuse remains an "absolute priority".
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- RTÉ News
Events to take place across Ireland to mark Go Purple Day
Events will take place across the country today to mark Go Purple Day, the national domestic violence awareness day organised by An Garda Síochána in partnership with local refuges and support services. The initiative was first organised in 2020 by community garda Stacey Looby, who was stationed at Navan Garda Station in Co Meath at the time but is now based in Athlone, to help strengthen community partnerships between domestic abuse services and An Garda Síochána. Members of the public as well as garda personnel across the country are being encouraged to show their support today by wearing something purple. Meanwhile, Meath Women's Refuge & Support Services will mark the day by recognising the efforts of local people and community groups who have supported survivors and challenged domestic violence. The organisation has said its community champion awards are presented on Go Purple Day each year to mark the action taken by members of the community to "support survivors, raise awareness and create a culture of zero tolerance for all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence" in Co Meath. This is the first year that the charity's awards have been developed into three distinct categories: Organisation, Individual, and Youth (16-25 year olds). Credit Union Plus will be presented with this year's Organisation Award for partnering with Meath Women's Refuge & Support Services over many years, raising funds and opening a dedicated account for the charity. Aoife Bradley has been awarded the Individual Award for her role during Covid-19 to ensure funds were raised by local businesses to keep critical refuge and support services open during lockdowns. Meanwhile, the Youth Award will go to fifth year student at Coláiste De Lacy in Ashbourne, Christina Cullen who created a successful campaign titled 'Gifting Joy at Christmas', where members of the community could gift a new toy to children staying in refuge. Meath Women's Refuge and Support Services CEO Frances Haworth has said Go Purple Day marks the perfect opportunity to recognise the support the charity has received from the three award-winners. Ms Haworth said: "We know that domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a whole of society problem that requires a whole of society response. "These awards recognise the efforts of community members who are starting conversations, reducing stigma in their everyday actions to support survivors. "Today we take this opportunity to celebrate Credit Union Plus, Aoife and Christina for their dedication and commitment to making Meath a safer and more equal place." Meath Women's Refuge and Support Services provided emergency refuge accommodation to 196 women and children last year, up from 185 in 2023 and nearly double the 131 accommodated in 2022. However, last year, it was unable to accommodate 429 women experiencing domestic violence and their children such was the level of demand for its services. Meanwhile, in 2024, An Garda Síochána received in excess of 65,000 domestic abuse related contacts. The force has said that the investigation and prosecution of offenders in the area of domestic and sexual abuse remains an "absolute priority".
