Dead Women Walking: Manchester murder march in remembrance of lives lost to the ones they love

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

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

The March coordinated with the ‘16 days of action‘ campaign ran by Women’s Aid.

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

‘Dead Women Walking’ first came to Manchester in 2019.

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 by their partners.

Many held up signs with meaningful messages such as ‘No Excuse’.

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

Claire Moore said 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“

An important message from Claire during her speech: “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” (Claire Moore) so, the march was organised for women only to come together and to support one another.

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.