“Working collaboratively with An Garda Síochána plays a vital role in supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse in our community” – COPE Galway.
COPE Galway received and responded to 3,874 crisis calls (75 calls per week) in 2022 relating to women needing support from their specialised and highly trained Domestic Abuse Service. The prevalence of domestic abuse is further evident with North-Western Regional Garda Headquarters reporting over 600 domestic abuse related calls since the beginning of 2023. A collaborative relationship between the two organisations plays a vital role in supporting women and children across Galway City and County.
“Our work with the Gardaí is an integral element of protection for women seeking safety”, said Gillian Mc Namee, Head of COPE Galway’s Domestic Abuse Service. “Providing safe escort to our refuge is a crucial component of the Garda response to domestic abuse. It enables victims to safely escape from abusive relationships and to access the support they need. Where our service offers women and their children comprehensive, tailored one-to-one support, court preparation and safety planning, the Gardaí can provide immediate assistance in urgent situations by responding to emergency calls, investigating incidents and accompanying a woman to our refuge.”
Ms Mc Namee was speaking at a tree planting ceremony at the service’s grounds in Modh Eile House to launch Go Purple Day 2023, a national initiative to raise awareness about domestic abuse. Members of An Garda Síochána, along with staff and clients of the service, planted a purple-leafed tree symbolising the growing relationship between the two organisations.
Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche reiterated their commitment to support and protect women and children across Galway City and County. He said, “It’s very important that An Garda Síochána works very closely with people involved in the protection of women and children to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Keeping people safe is one of our top priorities in Galway City and County.”
Another step on this collaborative journey saw the domestic abuse team visiting seven Garda stations across Galway City and County over the week leading up to Go Purple Day, to share knowledge and information about their service. The goal of this initiative is to ensure Gardaí are fully equipped with information to best support women experiencing domestic abuse.
“No one should live in fear of abuse,” said Ms Mc Namee, “yet it continues to impact and damage the lives of so many women and children in our community. We want to let women know there is specialised support available. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, if you want information, or someone to simply listen, we are here for you and available 24-7.”
If you or someone you care about is affected by domestic abuse, phone COPE Galway’s confidential 24/7 helpline on 091 56 59 85 or contact any Garda station. In a situation of immediate danger, dial 999 or 112 for emergency services.
Friday, 28 April is Go Purple Day, a Garda-led initiative with local domestic abuse services nationwide to raise awareness of the supports and services available to people who experience domestic abuse and to reduce the stigma for those who require support. Visit www.copegalway.ie/gopurple to find out more about how you can get involved and help raise awareness of and stand in solidarity against domestic abuse.
Media Queries: Colette Coughlan, 085 858 9781 or media@copegalway.ie.
Photo and caption (email news@copegalway.ie for hi res photo for print).
Representatives of COPE Galway staff and An Garda Síochána recently planted a tree at Modh Eile House, the home of COPE Galway’s Domestic Abuse Service as a symbol of their commitment to work together in supporting and protecting women and children across Galway City and County. This Friday, 28 April is Go Purple Day, a Garda-led initiative with local domestic abuse services nationwide to raise awareness of supports and services available to people who experience domestic abuse and to reduce the stigma for those who require this support.
Go to copegalway.ie/gopurple to find out how you can get involved. #GoPurpleDay #GoPurple
Notes for Editor:
For over 40 years COPE Galway’s Domestic Abuse Service has supported women in Galway, and their children, who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. Based in Modh Eile House, the service provides a range of support services for women, a dedicated children and young people service, a 24-hour support phone line, a refuge, outreach with follow up support in the community, training and awareness. If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, phone COPE Galway’s 24/7 service on 091 56 59 85 or contact any Garda station. If you are in immediate danger, dial 999 or 112.
copegalway.ie/domesticabuseservice
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