The names of 37 women who died violently have been added to the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch since Ireland said ‘never again’ after Ashling Murphy murder

Friday, 29 May 2026: Violence, abuse, and even at its extremes, death, are still a reality for many women living in Ireland. After the devastating murder of Ashling Murphy in 2022, Ireland said never again. But Ireland has not lived up to that promise.

Since then, 37 women have died violently in Ireland. That is 37 women with lives, dreams, family, friends and communities.

Since we started the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch in 1996, 283 women have died violently in Ireland. Every death is an outrage. An absolute tragic loss of life resulting in utter heartache and trauma for those left behind.

We are thinking today of Masuma Sohrabi, and her loved ones, colleagues and community, particularly her two young children. Prevention of all domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is crucial and urgent.

The Women’s Aid Femicide Watch shows that 87% of women (where the case has been resolved) were killed by a man known to them. We also know that in Ireland, one in three women has been subjected to domestic abuse of some kind.

Every woman has the right to be safe in her home and in her community, and this is just not the case. We must do the work required to achieve equality and safety for all, to make Ireland a country that truly has zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

ENDS

Please attribute any quotes taken from this statement to Sarah Benson, CEO, Women’s Aid.

NOTES

• According to Women’s Aid’s Joint Femicide Watch with Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland, 55 women have died in violent circumstances across the Island of Ireland since the murder of Ashling Murphy in January 2025. (37 women in the Republic and 18 in Northern Ireland).
• ​Support is available on the Women’s Aid 24hr National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900 or at www.womensaid.ie.