Candlelit vigils held for women violently killed in NI

Many people attending the rally in Guildhall Square held placards calling for an end to violence against women and girls

A number of candlelit vigils have been held to remember women who have been violently killed in Northern Ireland.

Organised by Women's Aid groups across NI, vigils were held in Londonderry, Omagh, Enniskillen and Lurgan on Tuesday night.

In Derry, the aunt of showjumper Katie Simpson, Paula Mullan told the crowd at Guildhall Square that she hoped her niece's legacy will be one that encourages more woman to speak out against domestic violence.

The crowd in Derry also heard a tribute to 65-year-old Spanish woman Montserrat Martorell, who was killed in the city in August.

A choir performed at the vigil in Derry and a one-minute silence was observed to remember each woman killed in Northern Ireland

The speech, which was read out by a member of Foyle Women's Aid on behalf of Montserrat's daughter Gisela, described her as a woman "full of strength and light", whose departure was "premature and unfair".

The body of Ms Martorell was found in the bedroom of a ground floor flat in Harvey Street following a fire. Previously, police said she had been subjected to a "brutal and savage attack".

Ciaran Murray, 29, from Gortfoyle Place in Derry, appeared in court in August charged with her murder.

The rally in Derry was organised by Foyle Woman's Aid

Ms Martorell's daughter said her mother's death left an "immense void" and that she will always carry her in her heart.

"My mother's love was unconditional; she was my guide and I always found shelter in her," the crowd were told.

'Mum, I miss you every day'

"Mum, I miss you every day and can't believe you are no longer here.

"I promise to lead a life that honours your legacy and that, wherever you are, you can continue to be proud of me."

Since 2020, 24 women have died violently in Northern Ireland

Since 2020, 24 women have been violently killed in Northern Ireland.

Last week, a meeting of the NI Policing Board was told that an inadequate number of police officers is affecting the Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) ability to deal with violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Katie Simpson died in hospital six days after being found injured in a house in County Londonderry

Katie Simpson, 21, from Tynan in County Armagh, was taken to hospital with serious injuries after an incident in a house in County Londonderry, in August 2020 - she died six days later.

Jonathan Creswell, her sister's partner, had called 999 and pretended he had found her hanging from a stairwell but police later came to the conclusion he had beaten her before strangling her.

Creswell was found dead at home while standing trial for murder in April.

Three women who admitted to a range of offences connected to her death received suspended sentences.

A Police Ombudsman report into the death of the County Armagh showjumper later found that the police investigation was flawed and failed her family.

Addressing the rally on Tuesday evening, Katie Simpson's aunt Paula Mullan said Katie may no longer be here, but her "beautiful smile lives on in posters".

She told those attending the vigil that these posters are sadly now a "shocking reminder of what happened to her".

Katie Simpson's aunt said Katie's legacy will be to encourage more sufferers of domestic abuse to come forward and not suffer alone.

"Victims can get lost in the headlines, news reports, court cases and inquiries," she said.

"They have no voice anymore so it is up to us, as individuals and as a community, to stand up for victims and be their voice.

"Be brave and call it out when you see it, there is help out there."

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today before the vigil, Ms Simpson's mother, Noleen Mullan said vigils are so important to remind women and young girls that they should not suffer in silence.

"I think Katie would love to know that she was helping people," she said.

This article was updated on 13 December 2024.