Cork gardaí show support for Go Purple Day to help raise awareness about domestic abuse 

Gardaí in Cork are urging the public to support Go Purple Day today to help raise awareness about domestic abuse and the domestic abuse support services available to those affected.

Inspector Noel Madden of Anglesea St Garda Divisional Headquarters told The Echo that members of the public in Cork, as well as garda personnel, are asked to show their support today by wearing something purple.

“The aim of the day is to create national awareness of domestic violence and to highlight to victims that there is support there from ourselves within An Garda Síochána, and that there are also victim support services which are available and do brilliant work within Cork city, county, and throughout the country,” said Insp Madden.

“Today, gardaí will be wearing purple pins to highlight the issue, and there will be an information stand at Anglesea Street Garda Station from 11am to 1pm in the public office, where people will be providing information leaflets around domestic violence and the various support agencies,” he added. 

“That will be manned by community gardaí and gardaí from the divisional protective services unit. After that there will be an awareness walk from Anglesea St down to the Marina, and people are welcome to join at any stage.”

Anglesea St will also be lit up in purple to mark the day.

Increase in reporting

In recent years, there has been an increase in reporting rates of domestic abuse. Last year, An Garda Síochána received in excess of 65,000 contacts related to domestic abuse, an average of 1,250 reports every week.

Inspector Madden described the investigation and prosecution of offenders in the area of domestic and sexual abuse as “an absolute priority”.

“Following the introduction by Government of additional legislation to assist An Garda Síochána, in 2023 and 2024, we helped secure 41 prosecutions for coercive control,” he said.

Members of the public are asked to support Go Purple Day by embracing the colour purple at home, at work, or among friends and family.

To get involved, post a photo on social media using the hashtag #GoPurpleDay2025.