Mayo ceremony to mark International 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

WESTPORT Family and Community Resource Centre, as it does every year, has hosted a Lilies Remembrance Ceremony to mark the International 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

With members of the community, including An Garda Síochána, they came together and read the names of the 269 women who have died as a result of male violence in Ireland since 1996, and threw lilies into the Carrowbeg River to remember, reflect and stand in solidarity with the families, friends and communities of women and children murdered and with those currently living with abuse.

Every day 137 women across the world are killed by a partner or member of their own family. Every year it is heartbreaking to add more names to the list of the women murdered here in Ireland.

As a community we must be very clear that abuse and coercive control are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We all have a part to play in making our homes, families and communities places that are safe for women to speak out, ask for help and to feel supported.

Westport Family and Community Resource Centre is a proud member of the Community Response to Domestic Abuse Network Western Region, a collaborative group of family resource centres, frontline organisations and partnership companies across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

If you or someone you know needs help or support, please contact Mayo Women's Support Services on (094) 9027519 or the Women's Aid 24-hour free phone helpline on 1800 341900.