“Not One More”: Northern Ireland Amongst some of the Highest Femicide Rates in Europe and Change Cannot Come Sooner

By Ellen Hughes

Since 2020, Northern Ireland has witnessed the violent deaths of 30 women, and academic research suggests that Northern Ireland is one of the most dangerous places in Europe for women [1]. These figures have sparked outrage, grief and growing calls for action. On the 25th  of April 2026, thousands gathered in Belfast City Centre for the “Not One More” protest and march, demanding emergency action from Stormont for stronger protections for women and an end to the murder of women and girls. The demonstration was organised by ROSA, the UK’s only nationwide funder dedicated to supporting women-led organisations that champion women and girls [2].  The demonstration began at the Royal Courts of Justice. It ended at Belfast City Hall, where campaigners, families and activists spoke about the devastating impact of femicide on communities across Northern Ireland.

Femicide refers to the intentional killing of women and girls because of their gender. It is widely recognised as the most extreme manifestation of gender violence. In 2024, every 10 minutes, a partner or family member killed a woman intentionally [3]. In Northern Ireland, of the 30 women killed since 2020, the majority died in their own homes, and in at least two-thirds of cases, the suspect was known to them.

One of the most high-profile cases in Northern Ireland was the murder of Natalie McNally, a former Queen’s University law student. She was 15 weeks pregnant when she was brutally killed in her home in 2022. Her family took part in the protests, and her brother Brendan McNally stated, “It’s extremely important to show the resistance against the scourge of violence”, urging that events like the “Not One More” protests were essential to allow people to make their voices heard [4]. The recent murder of Amy Doherty in Derry also intensified public anger and renewed calls for reform.

The protests were not only about remembering victims but also about demanding urgent change. Campaigners called for increased funding for community, emergency and survivor services, consent education in schools, action on housing and employment precarity and ending re-traumatisation for victims in courts. Activists state that misogyny is still deeply rooted in society and contributes to an environment where violence against women is normalised. Research from Ulster University shows that in a report on women and girls in Northern Ireland, when surveying 540 women, 98% of them had experienced some form of violence against them in their lifetime, showing how widespread and common this issue has become [1].

Recent criticism of policing failures has also increased pressure on authorities to improve how cases involving violence against women are handled. Campaigners argue that often women in Northern Ireland are failed by the very systems that are there to protect them. One of the most significant examples of this is the case of Katie Simpson, whose death led to an independent review of police misconduct. Its findings indicated failure by police to seriously consider abuse or coercive control during the investigation, instead prioritising the account of the killer, Jonathan Creswell [5]. The report indicated the pressing issue of institutional misogyny from police during cases of domestic abuse and violence against women. Many believe this case exposes the deeper problems within the police and justice system, where women’s problems are sometimes dismissed or not taken seriously. As a result, activists have demanded reforms within the police service. Chair of the Policing Board, Brendan Mullan, stated: “There are some basic processes and policy implementations that need to be embedded within services, as well as a wider cultural change required” [5].

The demonstrations in Belfast have shown that femicide is no longer a ‘fluke’ or ‘accidental tragedy’ but rather a part of a much larger and wider social crisis affecting the women of Northern Ireland. Thousands of protestors marched through the city carrying photos of the 30  women killed since 2020, creating a powerful visual reminder of the human cost of violence against women. Families of victims were also present and stood alongside campaigners and members of the public, united in both grief and anger. The protests demonstrated a growing determination amongst communities to challenge misogyny and demand change before more women lose their lives to femicide.

Ending violence against women requires collective action through education, accountability, support for survivors, and challenging harmful attitudes. Governments and communities must invest in prevention, services, and long-term reform to create lasting change [6]. 

References:

[1] Ulster.ac.uk. (2025). Research uncovers eye-watering levels of violence against women and girls in NI. [online] Available at: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/research/research-insights/all-posts/2023/october/violence-against-women-and-girls-in-ni.

[2] Rosa. (n.d.). UK-wide grant-making charity, Rosa. [online] Available at: https://rosauk.org/.

[3] UN Women (2024). Five essential facts to know about femicide | UN Women – Headquarters. [online] UN Women – Headquarters. Available at: https://www.unwomen.org/en/articles/explainer/five-essential-facts-to-know-about-femicide. 

[4] Morrison, C. (2026). Belfast City Centre: Rally calls for an end to violence against women and girls. BBC News. [online] 25 Apr. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn53031gngxo.

[5] Cox, A. and O’Connor, B. (2026). Confidence in policing ‘shaken’ after Katie Simpson review. BBC News. [online] 6 May. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crkpegx3y65o.

[6] UN Women (2024). Take action: 10 ways you can help end violence against women | UN Women – Headquarters. [online] UN Women – Headquarters. Available at: https://www.unwomen.org/en/articles/explainer/take-action-10-ways-you-can-help-end-violence-against-women.