Vigils Commemorate Women Violently Killed in Northern Ireland

Candlelit vigils took place to commemorate women who have been victims of violent killings in Northern Ireland. These events, orchestrated by Women’s Aid groups throughout NI, occurred on Tuesday night in Londonderry, Omagh, Enniskillen, and Lurgan. At Guildhall Square in Derry, Paula Mullan, the aunt of showjumper Katie Simpson, addressed attendees, expressing her hope that her niece’s memory would inspire more women to report domestic violence. Additionally, those gathered in Derry heard a tribute dedicated to Montserrat Martorell, a 65-year-old Spanish woman who was murdered in the city in August. A speech, delivered by a Foyle Women’s Aid representative on behalf of Montserrat’s daughter, Gisela, characterized her as a woman “full of strength and light”, whose passing was “premature and unfair”. Ms Martorell’s remains were discovered in the bedroom of a ground floor flat on Harvey Street after a fire. Authorities had previously stated she endured a “brutal and savage attack”. Ciaran Murray, 29, residing at Gortfoyle Place in Derry, faced court in August on a murder charge related to her death. Montserrat Martorell’s daughter conveyed that her mother’s passing created an “immense void” and affirmed she would forever cherish her memory. The audience heard her statement: “My mother’s love was unconditional; she was my guide and I always found shelter in her.” She continued: “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.” A total of 24 women have been violently killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. During a meeting of the NI Policing Board last week, it was communicated that an insufficient number of police officers is impacting the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) capacity to address violence against women and girls (VAWG). Katie Simpson, 21, from Tynan in County Armagh, was hospitalized with severe injuries following an incident at a residence in County Londonderry in August 2020, succumbing to her injuries six days subsequent. Jonathan Creswell, her sister’s partner, had contacted 999, falsely claiming he discovered her suspended from a stairwell; however, police subsequently determined he had assaulted her prior to strangling her. Creswell was discovered deceased at his home in April while undergoing trial for murder. Three women who pleaded guilty to various offenses related to her death were given suspended sentences. A subsequent Police Ombudsman report concerning the death of the County Armagh showjumper concluded that the police investigation contained flaws and did not adequately serve her family. Speaking at the rally on Tuesday evening, Paula Mullan, Katie Simpson’s aunt, remarked that while Katie is no longer present, her “beautiful smile lives on in posters”. She informed those present at the vigil that these posters regrettably serve as a “shocking reminder of what happened to her”. Mullan stated: “Victims can get lost in the headlines, news reports, court cases and inquiries.” She added: “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.” She urged: “Be brave and call it out when you see it, there is help out there.” Prior to the vigil, Ms Simpson’s mother, Noleen Mullan, told BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today that such vigils are crucial for reminding women and young girls not to endure suffering in silence. She commented: “I think Katie would love to know that she was helping people.” This report was last revised on 13 December 2024. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external links is available.