Politicians will take part in the event at Stormont

Shoes will be placed on the steps of Stormont on Monday - each pair representing a woman lost to her family because of domestic violence.

The event is being organised by Amnesty International and the Northern Ireland Woman's Aid Federation.

They said it would "capture this symbol of the unacceptable reality of violence against women in Northern Ireland".

Hilary Sidwell, director of Northern Ireland Woman's Aid Federation, said: "It's a very simple message - there is no excuse for abuse.

"It is everyone's responsibility to protect the woman and children of Northern Ireland from domestic violence and to hold violent men accountable for their actions."

The campaign is determined to challenge the myths and attitudes which allow such violence to continue in our society Patrick Corrigan Amnesty International

SDLP assembly member Patricia Lewsley, who is sponsoring the event, said she was pleased to support Amnesty International's Stop Violence Against Women Campaign.

"It is important that our political leaders give a lead as we launch the beginning of 16 Days of Action Against Violence Against Women," she said.

Ian Paisley Junior of the DUP said: "Through my work with Woman's Aid in my own constituency, I am only too well aware that domestic violence is a killer."

Patrick Corrigan, programme director of Amnesty International in Northern Ireland said the campaign was determined to challenge the myths and attitudes "which allow such violence to continue in our society".