Women will again march to 'Reclaim the Night'.

The annual event – to highlight violence against women – is being held in Dorchester on Saturday, November 24, and comes as domestic abuse crimes continue to rise.

Organised by Women’s Action Network Dorset (WAND), Reclaim the Night links in with the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women held each year on November 25.

Men and women in Dorset are invited to join WAND for its event, which runs from from 6.30pm-10.30pm at the Town Hall.

Tickets cost £5, to be bought on the door, include a drumming workshop with Organic Rhythm, a buffet supper and a charity auction. The main event of the evening will be a short march through the Dorchester streets.

The money raised from the auction will support the Dorset Women’s Crisis and Information Centre and to The Shores – the Dorset Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

Laura Hillier from WAND said: “I’m extremely proud to work with WAND, because of the amazing work they do for women in Dorset.

"Reclaim the Night fits in with WAND’s overall approach of being a ‘social, serious, and supportive’ organisation.

"It’s a really fun night with a great atmosphere, but the event also gives us the opportunity to speak out against crimes committed disproportionately against women and girls. The money raised is going to some incredibly deserving causes, which provide crucial services for women affected by abuse and assault.”

There were 5,892 domestic abuse crimes recorded in Dorset in 2017, a 12 per cent rise from 2016 figures. However an 84 per cent conviction rate was achieved, above the national average.

Tracey West, local author and broadcaster and WAND patron, said: "I'd love domestic violence to be a thing of the past, as would many other women in Dorset who are faced with a clear and present danger every day. Speaking out is really the only way to bring it to an end. Please consider coming to our Reclaim the Night event and joining the rising number of women and men who are all saying no! We hope you can join us."

For more information or if you would like to make a donation to the charity auction contact wanddorset@gmail.com or call 01305 819463.

More information is available at wandwomen.org.uk or on their Facebook page facebook.com/fantasticdorsetwomen