April 29th is officially Go Purple Day in Ireland, but what exactly is it?

  Go Purple Day is a day where Garda Síochána and our national domestic violence services come together to spread awareness and raise money for the cause. In the Garda Síochána Facebook video below we are reminded that Domestic Violence can affect anyone, no matter their circumstances, and it has a lasting impact on its victims as well as the wider community. Go Purple Day aims to be a beacon of hope for victims, and a reminder of the resources that are out there. Go Purple Day is fundraising For Esker House Women's Refuge and Domestic Abuse Support Service and Men's Aid Ireland.

How can I participate in Go Purple Day?

Participating is as easy as wearing purple today. In the Garda Síochana post they say this of the day:

"#GoPurple will take place across the country today and we are calling on everyone to show their support by going purple in your home, workplace or community."

Around the country businesses are participating in their own way; for example, Stodge Face, with shops in Mullingar, Tullamore, Athlone, and Galway, have dyed their vanilla cupcakes purple today. All proceeds will go to the Go Purple campaign as well as local domestic violence services. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc7RUOzIiOQ/ Other spots are having coffee mornings, hosting swims, charity runs, you name it. Across the nation today you will see spots getting involved with Go Purple Day; you can find some on their Instagram page HERE. Essentially the best thing you can do today is go purple with your choice. If you can't find a local fundraiser near you and wish to donate for Go Purple Day, you can do do so HERE. And if you're in need of some of these services, we will list some resources below:

• Men's Aid - Monday- Friday 9am-5pm 01 554 3811
• Women's Aid - 24hr National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900

We will also link more localised hotlines from Safe Ireland HERE. If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence please contact your local Garda Station or in an emergency dial 999 or 112. Header image via Instagram/purpledvday READ ON: 'Please put football nets away at night time' urges DSPCA after fox cub is caught in net