CAMPAIGNERS made a defiant stand against domestic violence as they ‘reclaimed the night’ in Dorchester.

Around 100 women including victims of abuse took part in a night-time parade around the streets of the county town.

It was organised as part of International End Violence Against Women Week.

In Dorset alone this year more than 320 crimes of domestic violence were reported from January to October.

The event on Saturday night ended with a supper and an ‘affordable’ auction and raffle in the Corn Exchange which raised £200 for the West Dorset Women’s Refuge. The money will be spent on Christmas presents for the children living in the Dorchester refuge.

Chairman of the West Dorset Domestic Violence Forum Molly Rennie said: “There was an excellent turnout at the Reclaim the Night march.

“It included people who have gained the strength to leave abusive relationships.

“There were also women who are supportive of the work that is going on and wanted to help raise awareness of the issues.”

Before marching, participants – which included Mayor of Dorchester Tess James – had a warm-up samba drumming session with the Organic Rhythm group. They carried a banner and banged the drums on the march which took them down South Street then back up Trinity Street.

The aim of the event is to make women aware that they do not have to be afraid of the night – statistics show that victims are more likely to suffer violence in their own homes from people they know than out on the streets.

Organisers insist on only women attending as some people taking part will be fleeing domestic violence and want to remain anonymous.

Mrs Rennie added: “This is the second march that has been organised by the Women’s Action Network Dorset (WAND) and I’m sure it will continue in the future.”

Mrs Rennie praised the Dorset Echo for its coverage last week of domestic violence issues in the run-up to the march.

She said: “A complete stranger came up to me in town the other day and said she recognised me from the paper.

“She had been a victim of domestic violence in the past and the articles had helped her to open up and talk about her experience.”