The names of 80 women who lost their lives to domestic homicide were read out during a candlelit vigil by in Sheffield.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sheffield Women\u2019s Collective organised the event in the Peace Gardens on International Women\u2019s Day to remember those who were killed by people convicted of domestic homicide during 2024.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sheffield Women\u2019s Collective was formed in January, following the UK Women\u2019s marches in every city across the UK on 18 January. The march in Sheffield was organised by Jade Wade and Skye Turner, who led over 500 campaigners through Sheffield\u2019s streets towards the Town Hall.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the organisers for the 8 March vigil, Amber Millar, 27, opened the night, stating the focus of the vigil was domestic violence and domestic homicide. She said: \u201cTonight we gather to remember the women whose lives have been stolen from them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We are here not just to mourn, but we are here to demand change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are here to say that every survivor of abuse deserves to be heard, believed and protected.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A minute’s silence was held, with people standing in remembrance and solidarity to the 80 women who lost their lives.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ms Miller said that this was the main aim of the vigil, but that the charity’s goals were to also reduce stigma about speaking up and raise awareness of the issues women face daily, ultimately encouraging policy change, better laws and safer streets for women worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ms Turner, 20, said: \u201cWe will carry on standing up for these women.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are here. Their names will be said, and we will fight to make sure there are less people on that list next year<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to fight like hell until we don\u2019t have to do this anymore.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sheffield Women\u2019s Collective is also raising money for Sheffield’s Women’s Aid, who provide refuge for survivors of domestic violence.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The chief executive of the charity, Hollie Venn said: \u201cAny vigil or campaign raising awareness of men\u2019s violence against women is a positive action \u2013 it shows survivors that people care enough to come out and challenge it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPerpetrators rely on survivors feeling shame and not speaking out. We need to believe survivors, not victim blame, and place the onus where it belongs, on perpetrators.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n