Vigil highlights domestic abuse

People from across Manchester will gather in the city centre to take part in a candlelit vigil in memory of the many women who are killed each year due to domestic abuse.

Everyone is welcome to join in the event, to be held in the Peace Gardens, St Peter's Square, from 4.30 to 5.30pm on Monday 10 December - International Human Rights Day.

The vigil will mark the last day of 16 days of activism against violence against women.

Members of local organisations working to combat domestic abuse will sell white ribbons that symbolise a pledge against violence. Money raised will go to support the Manchester Women's Domestic Violence helpline.

They will also hand out some specially printed cards giving key information about domestic abuse and contact details for organisations available to help those who experience it.

Councillor Sue Murphy, Manchester City Council's Lead Member for Women's Issues, said: "One in four women and one in six men experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, so this is something likely to touch everyone's lives at sometime or another.

"Across the country, two women are killed each week by a partner or former partner and in Manchester 17,000 women experience domestic abuse each year.

"This vigil is to help draw attention to the facts about domestic abuse and to highlight the help available to those affected by it."

The organisers of the event would like anyone wishing to join in the vigil to take along a torch or a holder for a tealight candle.

Media contact:

Martin Hellewell, tel: 0161 234 3729.