WOMEN will take to the streets of Dorchester in a show of force against domestic violence.

The march will be the main event on a night of female only activities at the Town Hall in Dorchester’s Corn Exchange this Saturday.

The Reclaim the Night event has been organised by the Women’s Action Network Dorset (WAND) and the West Dorset Domestic Violence Forum to mark International End Violence Against Women Day. The entertainment starts at 7pm and includes a drumming workshop, poetry reading, buffet supper and auction to raise money for children spending Christmas at the West Dorset Women’s Refuge.

The highlight of the evening will see women march through the town centre to ‘Reclaim the Night.’ West Dorset District Council equality and community development officer Sue Bickle said: “The march through the streets is a way of raising awareness of the vulnerability faced by many women through domestic violence and abuse, rape, honour based violence and practices such as female circumcision.”

Chairman of the West Dorset Domestic Violence Forum and local councillor Molly Rennie said it would be a great night, adding: “Women together will be having fun but giving the message that we are all safe to do as we feel we want to do.”

Coun Rennie said the local refuge telephone is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week and urged anyone who wants to talk in confidence to call 01305 262444.

Tickets cost £3 and can be purchased from Tourist Information Centres in West Dorset or by calling Emma Scott on 01305 252204 or 07971 220067.Anyone who is able to donate more prizes for the auction is also asked to contact Mrs Scott.