A SERVICE which provides refuge and support for victims of domestic abuse has marched through the streets of Weymouth.

You First Dorset the Integrated Domestic Abuse service organised a march on Saturday afternoon to raise awareness about the issue, coinciding with the end of National Domestic Violence Week.

Dozens turned out in New Bond Street to take part in the stand despite the drizzly weather.

Prior to the march, the event also included a flash mob performance by Dorchester Ballet and Dance Group and singing by Stagecoach.

As revealed in the Echo last week, Dorset Police has launched a Christmas campaign to reduce the amount of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Officers receive on average 700 reports of domestic abuse per month across Dorset and a spike in the figures is expected at Christmas.

You First Dorset offers outreach, refuge, resettlement and safe houses for victims of domestic abuse. The service organised a similar march last year.

Katie O’Connell, from You First Dorset, said: “It was so successful last year and we had such good feedback we wanted to keep domestic abuse in the press and high on everybody’s agenda.

“We have grown dramatically. We have had over 1,400 referrals in the past 18 months. In October alone we had 99 referrals.

“We have 1,700 children living among those families.

“It’s getting bigger. The awareness is about making people know there’s support out there.”

Discussing those taking part prior to the march, Katie said: “It’s really positive. They’re really looking forward to it and they are ready to support us and make a noise.

“That’s the most important thing – to make a noise about it.”

The march saw people walk a loop around Weymouth town centre.

Upon returning to New Bond Street, 108 balloons were released to mark the number of lives lost to domestic violence nationwide in 2014.

The service recently raised £3,000 at a winter ball which will go towards the funding of a children’s worker.

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