A mass walk through the streets of Hamilton on Friday aims to bring awareness to the problem of domestic violence and sexual assault against women and children. The annual 'Take Back the Night' walk is part of an international movement to symbolise the rights of woman and children to be able to live in their communities without fear of being attacked or preyed upon.

The Bermuda walk will start with a gathering in Victoria Park, featuring speeches by community voices Wayne Caines and Gina Spence, before walkers head out from the park on a route that takes in Queen Street, Front Street, King Street, Church Street and Cedar Avenue before returning to Victoria Park.

The Women's Resource Centre is organising the walk, its executive director Elaine Williams said: "The main objective of the event is to bring awareness to the growing and alarming problem of domestic violence and sexual assault in Bermuda.

"The walk is a step in the right direction, emphasising the awareness that abuse is unacceptable and showing those who are suffering that hope and help are available.

"I urge everyone to increase their awareness and education of this destructive force which deeply affects a large number of women and children on our Island every day, and to become a part of the efforts to stop the violence in families by coming out to support the walk. We want victims to know that they are not alone; we and hundreds of Bermuda residents support them and are not afraid to show it."

Supported by Amnesty International, various 'Take Back the Night' walks are held around the world. The first walk took place more than 30 years ago in Philadelphia. All men, women, and children, who want to take part are invited to gather at Victoria Park for this year's event on Friday at 6.45 p.m.

Ms Williams added: "This event is a great way to show the community that enough is enough. We want violence to stop. If you're passionate about safety and well being of the women and children you love, walk with us."

For further information and to sign up for the free event, call the Women's Resource Centre on 295-3882.