Church leaders condemn violence against women

Church leaders in Ireland including Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin have denounced femicide, misogyny and all violence against women.

In a joint statement, the leaders of all the main Christian Churches expressed their deep concern over the “epidemic of violence against women sweeping across Ireland”.

Their strongly worded statement was prompted by the recent “horrific” murder of 28-year-old Amy Doherty in Derry in March. She was the 65th woman to be murdered on the island of Ireland since 2020.

The churchmen expressed sympathy and prayerful support for families bereaved in such “terrible” circumstances.

Describing themselves as “grieved and shamed” by reports that Northern Ireland is now one of the most dangerous places for a woman to live in Europe, they highlighted how 30 women have been murdered there since 2020.

“We are deeply troubled by the reports that have found that the most dangerous place in Northern Ireland for a woman is her own home. No one should feel unsafe inside their home. Yet 21 of the 30 women murdered in Northern Ireland were attacked in what should have been for them a safe environment.”

Condemning femicide and all forms of violence perpetrated against women, the church leaders welcomed policies and strategies that address the “horror of violence against women and girls” on both sides of the border but noted that these had not resulted in a decrease in the murder rate.

They appealed to politicians, men and women together, to work with the emergency services and the courts to ensure that they have the resources necessary to combat the problem of gender-based violence.

The also called for cultural change to combat misogyny.

“Together, we want to encourage churches to remain vigilant and where possible to provide practical and pastoral support to women seeking refuge from abuse,” they said.

Last week a review of the investigation into the death of showjumper Katie Simpson in Northern Ireland found “institutional misogyny” in the PSNI contributed to “clear warning signs” being missed.

Meanwhile the issue of gender-based violence was discussed at the meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council between politicians from both jurisdictions in Armagh last week.

Stay updated — add us as a preferred news source on Google: