Special Award for Trim's Supt Noonan

Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services presented an inaugural ‘Community Champion’ 2023 Award to Supt Martina Noonan, Trim District, in recognition of her dedicated support for victims of domestic violence across Meath.

Speaking at the presentation, Sinead Smith, CEO of Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services said: “Martina has 31 years’ service with An Garda Síochána with extensive experience of community policing, domestic violence and human trafficking and was instrumental in implementing the Change project which has modernised Irish policing.

"In our many years of working with Martina in Navan and Trim districts we have seen how she responds quickly and is totally committed to supporting victims of domestic abuse and in training other officers. We are delighted to present this award to Martina on ‘Go Purple Day’ in acknowledgement of her commitment to tackling all forms of domestic violence in Meath.”

Last Friday was Go Purple Day, the annual Domestic Violence awareness campaign which consolidates community partnerships between Domestic Violence Services and An Garda Síochána.

Navan's Womens Rescue held a coffee morning to mark the day.

The national campaign started by Garda Stacey Looby when she was stationed in Navan Garda Station back in 2020 and has grown huge momentum and support over the past three years.

At the coffee morning, the Cathaoireach of Meath County Council, Cllr Nick Killian, urged those living in abusive circumstances to take the courage to seek help from organisations such as Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services, as well as An Garda Síochána.

"Your doing so will help break the cycle of domestic violence. By uncovering it, it can be ended. Out of the darkness of such abuse can emerge a brighter future of respect, dignity, freedom and equality.

"I wish to say how vital the work of Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services is in providing services to victims of domestic violence.

"Without your enormous contribution, and the contribution of all the domestic violence services around the country, the causes and consequences of domestic violence would not be spoken about so openly today.

2Meath Women’s Refuge and Support services was established 35 years ago to support women affected by domestic violence across Meath. Today they work with over 500 women and 100 children each year and answer 2,000 calls to their helpline. Over those last 35 years you have been a beacon of light, providing a safe space for victims of domestic violence, to help them come through a dark, difficult, and challenging period of their lives.

" In June of last year, the government published its ‘Zero Tolerance’ strategy to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. The Strategy has four pillars and over 150 actions. It is now our duty to keep an eye on the commitment made last June. It is an ambitious strategy which requires a real focus on implementation. We do not want to lose any momentum gained.

"With the help of Meath Women’s Refugee and Support Services, I know that the great work already done will continue, as we strive to create a safer Ireland for all our citizens.

"I want to wish you all every success for the future and compliment you and the other domestic violence service providers on the invaluable work that you do," he said.

For more information on supports available or to donate, please visit www.dvservicesmeath.ie or call 046-9022393.