Laois Domestic Abuse Service has teamed up with Laois Gardaí to help create safe spaces for local people experiencing domestic abuse.

On Monday September 8, a crowd gathered at Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise for an informative session with Gardaí and Laois specialists in domestic abuse.

Through the Purple Hand Champion Campaign created by Westmeath refuge Esker House last year, the group wishes to train businesses to become 'Purple Hand Champions', where they provide safe spaces and information on domestic abuse services. 

"We at Laois Domestic Abuse Service we like to extend a huge thank you to everybody who turned up at our Purple Hand Champion launch event yesterday in the Midlands Park Hotel," a representative said.

Pictured: Informative talks and discussions took place in the Midlands Park Hotel on September 9

"It was an important day for our community! We would like to thank Gardaí for supporting us in not only preparing for this event, but in taking part and having a vital conversation with our community about the importance of the awareness of domestic abuse and coercive control," they said.

"A special thank you to Detective Sergeant Laura Sweeney for taking time out and giving an important message about domestic abuse and Coercive Control in Ireland.  

"We would also like to thank Esker House for their support throughout this journey on bringing the Purple Hand Champion Training to Laois," they said.

Pictured: Laois Domestic Abuse Service with members of An Garda Síochána

Laois Domestic Abuse Service is the only specialist service in Laois working to provide group programmes, support, information, counselling and advocacy services to women and children/young people subjected to domestic abuse and coercive control.

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