MEN, women and children have marched together in Weymouth to make a stand against domestic abuse.

You First Dorset organised the walk to raise awareness ahead of National Domestic Violence Awareness Week, which starts on Monday.

Dozens turned out at New Bond Street to take part, including Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Cllr Kate Wheller.

The event started with a flash mob performance by Quay Theatre Arts before Christmas carols were sung by The Moor Voices Choir.

Prior to the march taking place, Cllr Wheller said: “I really want to welcome you all here and thank you very much for coming along.

“We all know that domestic abuse is one of those things that no one talks about and of course it doesn’t happen.

“It’s behind closed doors and it doesn’t happen. In fact we know it affects everyone.

“An event like this is important to raise awareness and show domestic abuse occurs across the spectrum and show we are all potential victims of this.”

You First Dorset is the county’s domestic abuse service, offering outreach, refuge, resettlement and safe houses.

Katie O’Connell, manager of You First Dorset, said: “We are making a stand against domestic abuse to men and women and also make people aware that it happens to children as well in their homes.

“We provide support and help for anybody who has been subjected to domestic abuse by a partner, ex-partner or family member.

“You First has grown bigger. We just used to be the outreach service but now we’ve got the refuge service as well.

“It’s free for people to contact us as well on our 0800 number. We are 24/7. There’s always somebody there at the end of the telephone.

“Since our new service started in April, we have had nearly 500 referrals.

“There have been marches throughout the country before and we have always wanted to do it in Weymouth on a Saturday afternoon.

“We decided this year with our new service we would make a stand and make a big impact.”

Sarah, who helped organise the march, said: “It’s gone really well. It’s been nice to see people wanting to support raising awareness of abuse.”

The march saw people walk through Weymouth town centre. At the end of the march, 107 balloons were released to mark the number of lives lost to domestic violence nationwide last year.

Sarah and Katie said they wished to express their gratitude to businesses and groups that supported the march, including: Battens Solicitors, Blanchards Bailey LLP, Quay Theatre Arts, The Moor Voices Choir, Pygmalion Florist, and Starbucks.

For more information and advice on You First Dorset's services, please call the free helpline on 0800 032 5204.