A POWERFUL vigil remembering the 114 women who have been killed by men in Britain over the past year was held in Shelton Square last Saturday.
The vigil was organised by a group of Coventry women and was held the Saturday before the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Several local councillors gave speeches at the vigil and the names of each of the women who have been killed were read out throughout the day as a mark of respect and remembrance.
Women’s charities including Haven, Kairos and the Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre were represented at the vigil, and information and support services were available for those experiencing domestic abuse.
There was a performance from musician Nehanda at midday and a poetry reading from a woman about surviving abuse.
And in a moving image, Shelton Square was filled with one pair of shoes for every woman who has died.
Tracey Cownden, who has helped to organise the vigil, said: “Although any vigil is a sad occasion, we felt the event was well received in Coventry with many people stopping to ask about the vigil, and expressing their sympathy.
“The energy, passion and support shown by the women’s charities moved me to tears during the day.
“They have first-hand experience of male violence against women and girls through their service users.
“Thanks also to local councillors who supported us, they know how desperate many women in our city are.
“Women in Coventry living in fear for their and their children’s lives are desperately in need of real support now.
“I feel privileged today to have also spoken to several women that reached out, and we were able to support them emotionally and put them in touch with help.”
