As we mark International Women's Day today, campaigners are demanding to treat the increasing number of women killed by men as a public health emergency.
Data from Counting Dead Women has so far recorded at least 107 deaths by men or where a man is a primary suspect for 2022. It also notes that they are still waiting for updates for at least 16 women.
In 2021, 144 women in the UK were killed in 2020 110 lost their lives.
The Femicide Census also tracks and publishes data on women killed by men, but their figures are slightly delayed as they wait for legal proceedings to finish.
Last year, the Femicide Census published its census report for 2019 and 2020 and found that despite a drop in killings during lockdown - a woman is killed by a man every three days.
Heather Harvey, one of the researchers and report authors of the Femicide Census, told the Mirror: "The scale and extent of men’s violence against women and the rate of femicide is a public health emergency and the health implications, and cost to the state, of living in fear of violence, living with violence and living with the after-effects of violence is enormous."
However, she stresses that this goes beyond being a public health emergency.
She added: "Fundamentally for me, particularly given the persistent failure of the state to tackle it adequately, it is a human rights abuse, men’s violence against women is a cause and consequence of women’s continued inequality and discrimination and then of course it is a criminal matter too – I would say yes it’s a public health issue but that doesn’t mean we should lose focus on the criminal, discriminatory and human rights nexus."
Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley Jess Phillips has her declared support in the Mirror to include this "epidemic" as part of the conversation on national security.
In a separate column for the Mirror, she writes: "I have long dreamed of a day when political leaders would talk about our nation’s security and specifically include the epidemic of male violence against women and girls.
"We should consider femicide and the crimes that lead up to it such as rape, and sexual and domestic abuse as an epidemic that exists on every street in our country."
Today, we reflect on some of the women who were senselessly murdered in 2022.
This is just a small illustration of the dozens of women who were taken from their families and loved ones too soon.
Zara Aleena
Aspiring lawyer Zara Aleena, 35, was murdered by Jordan McSweeney, 29, on June 26, 2022, while walking home.
McSweeney pleaded guilty and was jailed for 38 years.
Zara's family described her as someone who believed "that a woman should be able to walk home".
They added how she had a strong "sense of justice and fairness" which "led her to a life of giving and caring for others".
Katie Kenyon
Mum-of-two Katie Keynon, 33, was murdered by her ex-partner Andrew Burfield, 51, on April 22, 2022 - her body was found a week later in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire.
Burfield initially pleaded not guilty before changing his plea on the third day of trial. He was sentenced to life in prison for a minimum of 32 years.
Burfield had been "manipulative and controlling" during the relationship when his victim was "vulnerable", the court heard.
Katie's sister told the court in a statement: "She did everything for them and was more than just a mum, she was their mum, dad and best friend all rolled into one."
Clair Ablewhite
Clair Abelwhite, 47, was murdered by John Jessop, 26, when he cycled 17 miles to her home on November 6, 2022.
Police said they had a brief relationship and Clair ended it. Jessop pleaded guilty to murder at a previous hearing and was sentenced today to life with a minimum term of 17 years and eight months.
Clair, who ran a dog-walking business from her home, was described by friends and clients as “sociable, well-liked, who would stop and talk to anyone”.
Dan Ablewhite, 28, shared a touching image of him smiling with his mum on Facebook, and wrote: "I love you so much, mum.
"I just want to see that beautiful big smile and give you a hug and tell you how much you mean to us all.
"You really was one in a million, rest in peace, sleep tight, remember and dream about all the good times we had together."
Ramona Stoia
Ramona Stoia, 35, was murdered by her husband Catalin Micu, 54, before he took his own life in their tattoo shop on April 11, 2022.
Micu was on police bail when he was found dead at GothInk Studio in Canterbury, Kent along with Ramona.
Ramona was previously described as "absolutely lovely" - a talented, popular tattoo artist with a huge following.
Lauren Malt
Lauren Malt, 19, was murdered by her father Nigel Malt, 45, when he ran over her body twice with the car on January 23, 2022, in West Winch, Norfolk.
The teenager had been trying to protect her boyfriend after Malt threatened him with a crowbar.
Malt, who was on bail at the time awaiting trial on two counts of assaulting his wife, was jailed for Lauren's death for life in prison with a minimum term of 18 years.
A friend of Lauren paid tribute to her in a Facebook post at the time of her death, saying: "You are my dear angel meant the world to me and I'm so sorry you're gone.
"I can't quite get my head around it. My rock. My little bean. My best friend.
"We had so many plans, but now we're apart. I will miss you every waking moment my love."
Yasmin Chkaifi
Mature student Yasmin Chkaifi, 43, was stabbed to death in broad daylight by her ex-boyfriend Leon McCaskie, 41, in Maida Vale, London on January 24, 2022.
A driver, who has only been named Abraham, rammed his car into McCaskie to stop the attack. McCaskie died at the scene.
Yasmin's son previously said McCaskie was an "abusive monster" and the mum had restraining order taken out against him before she was killed.
Her aunt Haida said: "She was beautiful, good-hearted, she and had a heart of gold.
"She never hated anyone and had friends from many cultures. She was in her final year studying but I don't know what she studied, and worked."
Ashley Wadsworth
Canadian Ashley Wadsworth, 19, was murdered by her boyfriend Jack Sepple, 23, on February 1, 2022 - shortly after she moved to the UK to be with him.
Sepple, who had eight previous convictions and nearly all for domestic violence, was jailed for life with a minimum of 23 years and six months.
Ashley, who was found at his flat in Chelmsford, Essex, was described as
Ashley's mother Christy Gendron said her daughter was "the backbone" of the family in a chat with EssexLive.
Christy said Ashley was always caring, including to her family, friends, and people with disabilities. She said: "She's everything I wasn't, she's outgoing, she was the backbone of the three of us, I was a single mum.
"She was always the strongest one. She was fiercely loyal, she was the glue that kept everyone together."
Harleen Kaur Satpreet Gandhi
Harleen Kaur Satpreet Gandhi, 32, was found dead at her home in Leeds, Yorkshire on September 6, 2022.
Her estranged husband Satpreet Singh Gandhi, 37, was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 23 years and four months.
Prosecutors described the attack as "premeditated and horrific" and said Gandhi killed because he could "not control her" after Harleen left him.
In a statement, Harleen's parents, Ravinder Singh and Narinder Kaur Kohli, and her brother, Ekam Singh Kohli thanked the judge and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
They added: "We are extremely grateful to West Yorkshire Police for their hard work and dedication in finding Harleen’s body so quickly and in gathering enough evidence that Satpreet Singh Gandhi could be charged speedily.
"It has been a terrible time for the family, and we would like to praise our police Family Liaison Officers for their kindness and understanding and for keeping us informed of developments in the case in such a timely manner. They have been very supportive throughout this whole ordeal."
Abi Fisher
Teacher Abi Fisher, 29, was strangled to death by her husband Matthew Fisher, 30 - who then dumped her body in the woods 12 miles from their home on July 10, 2022, in West Yorkshire.
He lied to police saying he had gone missing and even wrote on Facebook after she was reported missing: "Has anyone seen Abi? If you have can you please let me know or get her to give me a ring?"
Police also found searches on Abi's phone including 'why does my husband hate me?' and 'is marriage counselling available on the NHS?'
Fisher was jailed for a minimum of 15 years.
Abi was described as a "wonderful person" who was "kind and caring" to her pupils.
Marena Shaban
Shop owner Marena Shaban, 41, was murdered by her ex-husband Mohammed Arfan, 42, on January 28, 2022, outside her home in Birmingham.
The mum-of-four had been separated from her husband for 13 months when Arfan wore a disguise to stalk and stab her to death.
Arfan was given a life sentence with a minimum jail term of 22 years.
Marena's mum paid tribute to her in court and said: "Marena was a devoted mother-of-four with an infectious smile who adored and loved her children, putting them first.
"The devastation felt by her children is indescribable."
*For confidential support, call the 24-hourNational Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.ukIf you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse)can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk
