RALLIES are to be held in Belfast and Ballymena on Wednesday in protest against the “horrifying” death of Chloe Mitchell.
A murder investigation was launched on Sunday after human remains were found in Ballymena during a search for the missing 21-year-old.
One man has appeared in court charged with her murder while a second man has been charged with assisting an offender.
Now the 18th woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020, the socialist feminist group ROSA are among those encouraging people to attend a rally at Belfast City Hall at 5.30pm.
A vigil will also take place in Ballymena at 7.30pm in King George’s Park, Harryville, to allow people to attend both events if they wish.
ROSA spokesperson Ann Orr said: "Chloe Mitchell was 21. She has become the 18th woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020.
“While details continue to emerge, what is already certain is that this is another horrifying expression of the reality of violence against women in our society.
“This violence has once again brutally ended a life. This also comes with unimaginable consequences for Chloe's family, friends and all who knew her.”
Condemning all forms of violence and abuse against women, she added: "We will not tolerate that we are not safe anywhere - not while walking or running on the streets, not on a night out and not in our own homes.”
Also encouraging a strong turnout was Brendan McNally, whose sister Natalie was murdered at her own home in Lurgan in December.
On Monday, a minute’s silence was held for the young woman during a meeting of Mid and East Antrim Council.
Mayor Gerardine Mulvenna expressed her condolences to the family after Sunday night’s “devastating announcement”.
“Their pain and suffering at this time is unimaginable, it is absolutely heartbreaking. I want to pay tribute to the police, Community Rescue Service and all of those within the local community for their tireless efforts to find Chloe throughout the past week,” she said.
“I urge anybody with any information regarding what is tragically now a murder investigation to share that information with the PSNI.
As Mayor, on behalf of the council, I would extend our sincere condolences to Chloe’s family and friends, and our thoughts are with the entire family circle at this very difficult time.”
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Family and friends pay tribute to Ballymena woman Chloe Mitchell
