The One Million Stars to End Violence Project was established by Maryann Talia Pau, a Samoan-Australian artist, in response to the rape and murder of an Irish Woman in Melbourne Australia. In Samoan culture, the star is a symbol of light, hope and solidarity. The project used star weaving to rebuild trust within the community. In 2020 Siobhan McQuillan working with Amber Women’s Refuge, brought the project to Kilkenny. Since then, it has been extended to many counties and in 2021 both Ascend NTDC and Cuan Saor Refuge and Support Services (South Tipperary) felt it was a project that would raise awareness of both services in Co. Tipperary ensuring that women who are experiencing domestic violence are fully aware that there is help within their community. Both Ascend NTDC and Cuan Saor have been busy over the past few months distributing packs to groups and schools and the project was launched on the 25th of November last to coincide with the 16 days of activism campaign on 25th November. Many groups have embraced the project with great energy. The stars will be displayed on to the 8th of March 2022 (International Women’s Day)” Ascend NTDC would like to thank the funders of the project – Healthy Ireland and SICAP (Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme) (Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme, which is part of the North Tipperary Development Company, NTDC. Ascend would like to acknowledge the following groups and schools who took part in star weaving. – Colaiste Mhuire, Thurles. – St. Joesph’s College, Borrisoleigh. – Borrisokane Community College. – St Cronan’s Association service users who attend Mary Gill House in Springfort Nenagh. – Nenagh Craft Group. – Barnardos TLC Kidz Mother’s Group. – Roscrea Youth Project. – And special gratitude to St. Mary’s School, Nenagh for star weaving and creating the display. We would like to invite individuals to come to see our display in Nenagh Arts Centre from 8th March 2022 – 21st March 2022. We will be having a launch of the display on 8th March 2022 at 11a.m. Ascend is a domestic violence support service based in North Tipperary as part of North Tipperary Development Company (NTDC). Ascend provides a comprehensive support and advocacy service in North Tipperary. If you wish to contact them, you can do so by phoning their helpline at 0505-23999 (Monday – Friday 9am-5pm)