Women marched through Bristol city centre in a candlelit procession to raise awareness of domestic abuse.

The march was organised by domestic abuse support service Next Link as part of a week of events to mark the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The procession yesterday went from Queen Square to College Green, where two larger candles were lit to symbolise the two women said to die each week in the UK from domestic violence.

A two-minute silence was then held for people to pay their respects to those whose lives have been affected by domestic abuse, rape and sexual assault.

The police also handed out free rape alarms at the vigil.

Director of Next Link, Carol Metters, said: "Two women die and one child loses its mother every week in the UK as a result of domestic abuse.

"What is also deeply disturbing is that there were over 6,500 recorded incidents of domestic abuse last year in Bristol and we know that this is just the tip of the iceberg as many women do not report it.

"This is also the case with rape. We know that one in four women will experience rape or attempted rape, yet statistics show that 40 per cent of women who are raped tell no one about it.

"The purpose of the candlelit procession is to raise public awareness of domestic abuse and rape and let victims know the services that can help them."

Anyone who is suffering domestic abuse can call Next Link on 01179 250680.