Concerned citizens marched through Hamilton to raise awareness of violence against women and children last night.

The sixth annual "Take Back the Night' event, hosted by the Women's Resource Centre [WRC], attracted 75 women and children — and a handful of men.

Similar marches are held in cities around the world each October. Elaine Williams, director of the WRC explained: "This is a national and international walk which strives to bring awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault against women and children. It symbolises the rights of women to live in their communities without being attacked or preyed upon."

The event kicked off at Victoria Park with inspirational speeches from community activists Wayne Caines, Gina Spence and Lucy Attride-Stirling.

Ms Spence spoke of her experience as a survivor of domestic abuse, and of losing her son-in-law to gun violence. Her daughter's husband, James Lawes, was shot dead in March this year.

She encouraged anyone who suspects a friend or relative is a victim or perpetrator of violence to reach out to them.

"If you know someone, don't be afraid to go to them," she urged. "If you recognise the signs of someone who may be quiet or you may see a mark on their body or might hear them in a conversation on the phone arguing or being talked down to, it's OK to reach out to them and let them know that there's help."–Echoing that sentiment Mr. Caines, a former prosecutor and current chief executive officer of Digicel said: "It's important for us to teach our young men how to respect women and womanhood."

It is equally important, he added, to teach young women to value themselves.

Mr. Caines said he hoped the march would spark "an epidemic of love, respect and honouring our community."

Ms Attride-Stirling, executive director of the Bermuda chapter of Amnesty International, urged those present to think of women in other countries who don't have help from organisations like the Women's Resource Centre. Ms Williams said: "There was a lot of support from onlookers in the community throughout the walking route. Many even joined in the chants."