Shocking new statistics have shown that one in every two women murdered in Ireland died at the hands of their partner or ex-partner.
The startling figures were highlighted today by Women's Aid, who revealed that 78 women had been murdered by their former boyfriend or husband in Ireland since 1996.
The organisation held a touching vigil at the Dáil this morning to commemorate the women and the ten children that died alongside them, calling for an improved response to domestic abuse by the State.
Margaret Martin, Director of Women’s Aid, told Mirror Online that it was "imperative that we act now before more lives are stolen".
"A situation of domestic abuse is a very common context in which female homicide occurs. Women’s Aid believes that increased recognition and management of risk factors for intimate partner homicide would lead to an improved response to domestic abuse by the State and its agencies," she said.
“Risk factors for intimate partner homicide include physical abuse, threats to kill, controlling behaviour, stalking and harassment. Separation is also a risk factor for escalating violence and is often the most dangerous time for women in abusive relationships.”
