Dead Women Walking: Manchester murder march

  • Dead Women Walking Manchester
  • Domestic violence march
  • Remembrance of domestic violence victims

 

 

 

Local women gathered in the city centre and marched single file while reading out the names and ages of domestic violence victims over the past year.

“The charming turn into the controlling”- Claire Moore during the march for the 16 days of action.

The aim of the march was to remember victims of abuse and to also provide guidance for those who are currently suffering.

Walking peacefully during late November coexists with the ‘International day for the elimination of violence against women’ which relates to the murders of the Mirabal Sisters in 1960.

The march

Claire Moore, who organised the march, handed out red ponchos with ‘Dead Women Walking’ printed on the back to symbolise women who have been murdered and to also raise awareness about the issue itself.

Mother and daughter encouraging people to speak up about Domestic Violence in women while wearing their red ponchos. Credit: Meg Jones.

The March took place around the Manchester Christmas markets where shoppers spectated the event and some even joined in to ask questions.

Claire Moore explained how the aim of the event is to “remember all of the women killed since the last International day to remember domestic violence against women in the UK”

“they’re not all strictly domestic violence because some of them are a friend, neighbour and in one instance it was a handyman”

“One in Three women will be subjected to domestic abuse” so, march was organised for women only to come together and to support one another.

Participants of the march proudly holding their signs in Picadilly Gardens. Credit- Meg Jones.

After the march, everyone gathered into a ‘friendship circle’ to show shielding for our ‘sisters’ where a speech was made.

“two women this year were killed when they were pregnant, one of them because he found of she was having a girl and he wanted a boy”- Claire Moore

Upcoming from Domestic Violence Murder March

Organisers of the event have also created red wooden hearts with each of the victims names and ages.

On the 9th of December, these will be placed down on the Emmeline Pankhurst statue in St. Peters Square.

As the year is coming to an end, its another opportunity to remember those who lost their lives to domestic violence this year.

The national number for domestic violence is a 24/7 helpline that provides confidential and non-judgemental support.

Guidance can also be found on the NHS website as well as the Government website.