WOMEN are set to march again to 'Reclaim the Night'.

The awareness and fundraising event for victims of domestic and sexual violence will take place in Dorchester on Saturday, November 25.

The event, organised by Women’s Action Network Dorset (WAND), links in with the annual International End Violence Against Women Day on the same date.

It comes as referrals to Dorset Police for domestic violence continue to rise.

According to WAND, police recorded 5,259 domestic abuse crimes in 2016, an approximate 10 per cent increase on the previous year.

From January to the end of April 2017, the force has recorded 1,630 domestic abuse crimes.

Reclaim the Night includes a drumming workshop with Organic Rhythm, a buffet supper and a charity auction. The main event sees participants marching through the streets of Dorchester to ‘Reclaim the Night’.

Anyone who wishes to contribute towards ending violence against women is welcome.

Organisers say they recognise that domestic violence doesn’t just affect women and that men can also be victims. But as WAND is a women's organisation, the event focuses on support for women.

A WAND spokesman said: “The march through the streets is our way of raising awareness of the vulnerability faced by many women through domestic violence and abuse, rape, and honour based violence. While the event has a serious theme, it’s a really fun evening.”

Patron of WAND, local author and broadcaster Tracey West, added: "It is undoubtedly a very special night where united voices make a positive noise to say, 'enough is enough'.

"I would be remiss if I didn't mention that domestic violence also takes place to men and to the LGBTQ community too and that's equally abhorrent, but the statistics show that these crimes are predominantly carried out on women, and Reclaim the Night puts a spotlight on that fact."

Some of the money raised from the auction will go to support the children of the West Dorset Woman’s Refuge. The remaining money will be going to The Shores (the Dorset Sexual Assault Referral Centre) in Bournemouth.

Reclaim the Night takes place at the Town Hall in Dorchester on Saturday, November 25 from 6.30pm-10.30pm. Tickets priced £3 can be bought on the door.

For more information or to make a donation to the charity auction email wanddorset@gmail.com or call 07956 896114.

More information is available at www.wandwomen.org.uk

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