Dundalk IT goes purple to raise awareness of domestic violence

Dundalk Institute of Technology proudly hosted a coffee morning in honour of Go Purple Day on 30th May to bring awareness on campus for both students and staff of domestic abuse and the supports available to those experiencing it.

Go Purple Day is a joint initiative between An Garda Siochána and Domestic Abuse Services Nationwide to raise awareness about Domestic Abuse.

The event was hosted by the RiVeR Project in DkIT in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, Dundalk and DkIT’s Students Union. It was fantastic to have representatives from the Dundalk Gardaí on campus to highlight the importance of raising awareness around this issue.

DkIT has a strong reputation in supporting awareness around Domestic Abuse. The DkIT RiVeR Project is responding to the impacts of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence through research, education and training. The RiVeR Project Lead Dr. Kathleen Nallen said:

“The RiVeR Project is delighted to partner with RESPECT #DkIT, students union DkIT and An Garda Síochána for the annual ‘Go Purple Day’ to create awareness of Domestic Abuse. It is wonderful to have such support from staff and students across the campus for this really important initiative. In promoting the agenda of zero tolerance of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the RiVeR Project recently launched its ‘Insights into Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence’ Podcast series.  It features conversations with experts, advocates and victim/survivors of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and is available on the RiVeR Project website and LinkedIn page, DkIT YouTube channel and Spotify”.

Read Next: The countdown is on: Louth Contemporary Music Society festival 'Echoes' returns to Dundalk

A college spokesperson said: "DkIT is committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment for everyone in their educational community, they endeavour to do this through ongoing training and support around Gender Based Violence that empowers all their students and staff.

"In November, DkIT was one of the 16 Higher Education Institutes involved in an annual national campaign for the international UN 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. During last year’s 16 Days of activity, DkIT was also pleased to publish their Domestic Violence leave Policy for all employees."