Violence Against Women vigil held in Derry on Thursday evening
Montserrat Martorell (65) was found murdered and raped in a flat in Derry’s Harvey Street last Saturday.
Sophie Watson was also remembered during the vigil in Guildhall Square.
The 57-year-old was murdered at a property in Ashgrove Park in Magherafelt on August 18.
Two men have been charged with their murders and remanded in custody.
Former Moor People Before Profit Councillor Maeve O’Neill has spoken of her profound sadness and outrage over the recent murder of Montserrat Martorell in Derry.
“This heinous act of violence has left our community in shock and mourning,” said Ms O’Neill.
“This is yet another stark reminder of the pervasive and deadly violence that women in Northern Ireland continue to face.
“Between 2017 and 2021, 34 women and girls were killed by men in Northern Ireland.
“Women and girls are disproportionately affected by violence, abuse, and intimidation, accounting for 78% of all victims of sexual crimes and 68% of victims of domestic abuse.
“Northern Ireland has one of the highest rates of femicide in Western Europe, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.
“People Before Profit stand against the societal misogyny that underpins such violence.
“Misogyny is a deeply ingrained societal issue that manifests in various forms, from everyday sexism to extreme acts of violence.
“Addressing this issue requires a collective effort to transform the culture that has been dominant in this place for so long.
“We need to stand together to call out the hatred that women face.
“We need to stand up to unjust laws and ensure that women have bodily autonomy.
“Two women have died in this county in the last two weeks.
“Our thoughts are with the families of Sophie Watson and Montserrat Martorell.
“We stand in solidarity with all women who have been affected by violence.
“Gender based violence needs to consigned to the dust bin of history. ”
Tags: