by Gráinne Connolly
Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) office on Strand Road will be illuminated purple as part of the International 16 Days of Action against gender based violence.
It's an international campaign that runs from the 1-10 December, to raise awareness and call for an end to violence against women and girls in all societies.
Foyle Women's Aid, an organisation that provides specialist services for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, is taking part in a series of events to promote the campaign locally.
A spokesperson for the group said:
“We are delighted that such an important city landmark will be part of the 16 days of Action against gendered based violence
“We hope that people will ask why it is purple and this will help draw attention to the issue of domestic abuse”.
The organisation will receive training from NIPSA trade union representatives about domestic violence in the workplace and the need for workplace policies.
They're also 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.
Last week, 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 also met with the Mayor of DCSDC, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh to talk about the Teenlink programme, run by Foyle Women's Aid.
He also previewed a short promotional film made by young people which is to be launched on social media.
The Mayor of the Council says it's important to get behind the campaign and offered his support:
"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 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 contact Foyle Women's Aid on 028 71 416800.
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