Derry will shine a purple light on domestic abuse this week as part of the International 16 Days of Action against gender based violence.
Derry City and Strabane District offices at Strand Road will be lit up in purple at the request of Foyle Women’s Aid from 1- 10 December.
The organisation, which provides specialist services for women and children who have experienced domestic and sexual abuse, hopes that this will help raise awareness in the city.
“We are delighted that such an important city landmark will be part of the 16 days of Action against gendered based violence,” a spokesperson for Foyle Women’s Aid said.
“We hope that people will ask why it is purple and this will help draw attention to the issue of domestic abuse”, she added.
The 16 Days of Activism against gender based violence, which runs until December 10th, is an international campaign to raise awareness and call for an end to violence against women and girls in all societies. Foyle Women’s Aid is taking part in a series of awareness raising events to highlight the issue locally.
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh, added his support to the campaign by Foyle Women’s Aid saying: “I think it’s extremely important that as a Council we demonstrate our strong support for this campaign, and I would urge everyone across the District to be mindful of the issue of gender based violence, especially at this time of year. What is a happy family time for most people over Christmas can be a time of extreme risk for victims of domestic violence with the additional stresses of excess spending and increased alcohol consumption.
“By showing publicly that widespread support is there from the community it can reassure and encourage victims to come forward and remove themselves from abusive situations. I would like to reiterate the message that help is out there, and Foyle Women’s Aid are doing amazing work driving home that message and safeguarding women and children who have nowhere else to turn.”
Foyle Women's Aid is taking part in a series of events during the 16 Days including training NIPSA trade union representatives about domestic violence in the workplace and the need for workplace policies.
Childcare co-ordinator Rosin Hamill highlighted the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people at the Mothers Union Prayer Vigil at St Columb’s cathedral at the weekend.
Teenage service users met with the Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Cllr. Maoliosa McHugh this week to talk about the Teenlink programme, run by Foyle Women's Aid. He also previewed a short promotional film made by the young people which is to be launched on social media.
Foyle Women’s Aid is hosting training from the PSNI about the increasing use of online and digital platforms by perpetrators to stalk and harass victims and how to act to keep women safe online.
The organisation, which helps over 600 women a year, will be issuing their annual Christmas appeal ‘Silent Night, Violent Night’ which provides toys, fuel and food to families in need in the Derry, Strabane and Limavady areas.
For more information please contact Foyle Women’s Aid on 028 71 416800.
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