Several hundred people gathered in Armagh on Monday night for a vigil in memory of the 28 women whose lives have been taken in Northern Ireland since 2020.
There was a palpable sense of loss among the crowd which had gathered at Market Square at 6pm.
Dervla O’Neill opened the vigil with a powerful address to those in attendance – including many political representatives.
“We need a safe haven. We need a space where women can begin to rebuild their lives with dignity and support. But a refuge does not build itself,” she told the crowd.
“Women’s Aid need funding – real, sustained funding. Not just words, but investment. We urge our local leaders, our government, and our communities – put your money where your promises are. Safety can no longer be a luxury. It is a right. We must demand more.
“We ask you all to stand up and ask your elected representatives what they are doing to push for change. Stormont is not protecting us. Our laws are not protecting us. The systems meant to keep us safe are too often silent, too often slow, too often indifferent. We need real change in legislation – change that centres on survivors, that holds perpetrators accountable, and prioritises prevention.”
Among those 28 killed over the last five years was Karen Cummins – a children’s nurse at Daisy Hill Hospital.
Her cousin, Kelly Malcolmson – fighting back tears – bravely spoke to the crowd, describing Karen as “the life and soul of the party who had a complete heart of gold”.
“She was a children’s nurse in Daisy Hill Hospital where she was adored by her colleagues and everyone around her,” said Kelly.
“Karen was only 40 years old. She had her whole life ahead of her. Not only has she been taken from us, but there are now two children left without a mother, a mother without a daughter, a 91-year-old grandmother without a granddaughter, and many broken people grieving her loss.
“Words cannot explain the pain we carry each and every day, and it’s in those moments we lean on God. And the only question we have left that will never be answered is: why? Why Karen? Why take her from us?
“We needed her, and no matter what we do, we can never bring Karen – or any of the other 27 women – back. But what we can do is be a voice for them. This has to end. Now!”
Kelly Malcolmson
She added: “My next message goes out to anyone who is currently in an abusive relationship or suffering from domestic abuse: you are powerful, you are valued, and you can break free. We live in a free world – so be free.
“There is so much love, support and help out there for you. I urge – and I plead with you – to take this step. And if you can’t do it for yourself, then do it for your family and friends, because they need you like we needed Karen. You matter. You’ve got this, and we’ve got you.”
Jackie Coade read a statement from James Brannigan, who has helped set up the Katie Simpson Trust – Katie being one of the 28.
James, through his statement, said: “Many of these cases were also initially dismissed as suicides, accidents, or unexplained disappearances – and yet the questions persist. The patterns repeat.
“Every single case I have investigated – and every single case I am now being asked to examine – shares one painful common denominator: the victim had become isolated. Isolation is a silent predator. It is where control begins and where violence is most easily hidden.
“As a society, we have a moral duty to spot it, to speak out, and to intervene. Where we see isolation taking root in homes and relationships, or behind closed doors, it must be named, challenged, and stamped out without hesitation.”
The vigil concluded with a minute’s silence and beautiful – and fitting – acoustic covers of Suzanne Vega’s My Name is Luka and Sarah Hester Ross’ Savage Daughter, performed by Laura Rose McCool (vocals) and Eoin Kelly (guitar).
