WOMEN united in a march through the streets of Dorchester this weekend to raise awareness of domestic violence and abuse.

The popular Reclaim the Night event began in the Corn Exchange at 7pm with a drumming workshop.

The main event saw women embark on a short march through the streets of the county town to ‘Reclaim the Night’.

Onlookers clapped the women as they paraded past to raise awareness of domestic violence.

The evening, which ran until 11pm on Saturday, saw almost £500 raised for the West Dorset Women’s Refuge, more than double last year’s total.

The women-only event was jointly organised by WAND (the Women’s Action Network Dorset) and the West Dorset Domestic Violence Forum to coincide with International End Violence Against Women Day.

There was also a buffet supper and a charity auction.

Molly Rennie, chairwoman of South and West Dorset Domestic Violence and Abuse Forum, said: “It’s just brilliant that WAND organised Reclaim the Night, again, to raise awareness of domestic violence and abuse and help support families at West Dorset Refuge.

“Everyone knows how fun a night out with the girls is and I think the Reclaim the Night event encompasses that on a much larger scale.

“All the women that took part felt empowered and this was really excellent to see.

“The drumming workshop was great fun and people also enjoyed trying something new by bidding at the charity auction.

“While the march through Dorchester was taking place crowds were clapping and saying well done to all the ladies that had come together for the event, which was fantastic.

“The Reclaim the Night event raised just short of £500, which is more than double the amount raised from last year.

“Everybody enjoyed themselves which is the main thing but obviously at the same time raised awareness of domestic violence and abuse.”

All money raised from the auction will go to the West Dorset Women’s Refuge and will be used to pay for an outing to a pantomime and some gifts for the children.

It will also gift the children some money to buy a present for their mums.

Last year the Reclaim the Night event raised £200 for the refuge.

For more information about the event visit wandwomen.org.uk.