There have been calls to fund a strategy to protect women and girls following the murder of Montserrat Martorell in Derry.
Violence against women and girls has been described as “a scourge on our society” by Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin.
A 28-year-old man arrested by PSNI detectives investigating Ms Martorell’s murder remains in police custody on Tuesday evening in Musgrave Serious Crime Suite. The suspect can be held for up to 36 hours before being charged.
Ms McLaughlin urged the Executive to agree and fund the ‘Ending Violence against Women and Girls Strategy’ and ‘deliver it at pace’.
“It is heartbreaking, yet another woman has been murdered here in Northern Ireland,” she said.
“The brutal murder of Montserrat Martorell has shocked people across the city in its savagery.
“Such violence has no place in our society and people will be rightly outraged and deeply disturbed by a vicious attack.
“My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Ms Martorell’s family and friends at what is an unimaginably difficult time.”
Ms McLaughlin encouraged anyone with information to come forward and assist the PSNI with their enquiries.
“The full force of the law must be brought to bear on the perpetrator of this heinous crime,” she said.
Foyle Women’s Aid has also extended its condolences to the family and friends of Ms Martorell, the 22nd woman to be killed in the north since 2020.
In an online post, the organisation, which supports victims and survivors of domestic violence, said: “Our thoughts are with you at this incredibly difficult time, and we cannot begin to imagine the pain you are going through at the moment.”
