Candlelight vigils held for women violently killed in NI

Many people attending the rally in Guildhall Square held signs calling for an end to violence against women and girls. (BBC)

A number of candlelight vigils have been held in memory of women violently killed in Northern Ireland.

Organized by women’s support groups across NI, vigils took place in Londonderry, Omagh, Enniskillen and Lurgan on Tuesday evening.

In Derry, rider Katie Simpson’s aunt, Noleen Mullan, told the crowd gathered in Guildhall Square that she hoped her daughter’s legacy would encourage more women to speak out against domestic violence.

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

A choir performed at the vigil in Derry and a minute’s silence was observed to remember every woman killed in Northern Ireland (BBC)

The speech, read 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 unjust”.

Ms Martorell’s body was found in the bedroom of a ground floor flat on Harvey Street following a fire. Previously, police said she was subjected to a “brutal and savage attack”.

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

The rally in Derry was organized by Foyle Woman’s Aid (BBC)

Ms Martorell’s daughter said her mother’s death had left a “huge void” and she would always carry her in her heart.

“My mother’s love was unconditional; she was my guide and I always found refuge in her,” the crowd was told.

“Mom, I miss you every day”

“Mom, I miss you every day and I can’t believe you’re not here anymore.

“I promise to live a life that honors 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 (BBC)

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

Earlier this week, at a meeting of the NI Policing Board, it was told that insufficient numbers of police officers were affecting the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) ability to tackle violence in towards women and girls (VAWG).

Katie Simpson died in hospital six days after being found injured in a County Londonderry home (family document)

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

Jonathan Creswell, her sister’s partner, had called 999 and claimed to have found her hanging from a stairwell, but police later concluded he had beaten her before strangling her.

Creswell was found dead in his home while on trial for murder in April. Three women accused of helping him cover up the murder received suspended sentences.

A police ombudsman report into the death of the County Armagh showjumper later revealed the police investigation was flawed and had failed his family.

Addressing the gathering Monday evening, Katie Simpson’s aunt Noleen said her daughter may no longer be here, but her “beautiful smile lives on on the posters.”

She told those at the vigil that the posters are sadly now a “shocking reminder of what happened to him.”

Katie Simpson’s aunt said Katie’s legacy would be to encourage more victims of domestic abuse to come forward and not suffer alone. (BBC)

“Victims can get lost in headlines, reports, trials and investigations,” she said.

“They no longer have a voice, so it’s up to us as individuals and as a community to stand up for victims and be their voice.

“Be brave and call him when you see him, there is help there.”

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today show ahead of the vigil, Ms Mullan said vigils are so important in reminding women and girls that they should not suffer in silence.

“I think Katie would love to know that she’s helping people,” she said.