Members of An Garda Siochana, Supt Fearghal Patwell, Det Insp Ronan McDonagh and Garda Niamh Briggs join UL Hospitals CEO Colette Cowan and staff in supporting the 16 Days of Action campaign

UL Hospitals and gardaí support 16 days action against abuse

UL Hospitals Group has marked the start of the annual global campaign - 16 Days of Action of Violence Against Women – with awareness-raising events at University Hospital Limerick, University Maternity Hospital Limerick and Croom Hospital.
Irish rugby international Garda Niamh Briggs was on hand with Supt Fearghal Patwell and Det Insp Ronan McDonagh, to support the campaign at UHL this Wednesday, November 25th, which marks the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Garda Briggs, who is Roxboro Garda Station’s liaison with Adapt House, said: “Domestic violence is unfortunately a lot more prevalent than we like to think it is. But the message needs to go out loud and clear that the supports are there to help people get out of those situations. People like Adapt are doing fantastic work.”
As an act of solidarity to survivors of domestic violence, the theme of this year’s campaign is to “Purple Up”. The Medical Social Work (MSW) Team, UL Hospitals, have invited both staff and public to join them in wearing a purple item during the campaign in support of those who may be experiencing this crime.
As the campaign got underway this Wednesday, the MSW team distributed purple ribbons at information stands in the main foyers of UHL, Croom Hospital and the University Maternity Hospital.
The MSW team are based in the three hospitals and offer a confidential support and information service to those who are affected by domestic violence across all the UL Hospitals Group, including Ennis and Nenagh hospitals.
Gender-based violence does not discriminate and occurs in all sections of society. Domestic violence can present itself in many different forms including physical, sexual, emotional and financial. It has been found that a woman is assaulted 35 times before she will make a complaint to An Garda Siochana. Research has shown 1 in 5 women in Ireland have or are currently experiencing some level of violence by their current or former partner.
UL Hospitals is also supporting the Limerick Network on Violence Against Women and the local campaign to “Purple Up” Limerick, which includes a city centre rally this Saturday, November 28th from 12 noon to 1pm.
It is encouraged that people wear purple, carry purple flags and banners to meet at ‘The Urban Garden’ opposite Penneys and Debenhams, by permission of the Council, in the city centre for a rally at 12 noon to 1 pm with a spotlight on the abuser.
Local support services that provide Support and Emergency Accommodation:
Adapt House, Limerick: 1800 200 504/061 412354
Clare Haven, Ennis, Co. Clare: 065 6842646/065 6822435 (24 hr helpline)
Ascend, North Tipperary: 067 56676
Women’s Aid Helpline: 1800 341 900, 7 days a week from 10am-10pm (except Christmas Day)