VIDEO: Dancing in the streets of Bristol to highlight violence against women

Dozens of people danced through the streets of Bristol today as part of a global campaign to highlight violence against women.

The Valentine's Day event was organised by Bristol Against Violence and Abuse (BAVA) and was part of ONE BILLION RISING, the global movement which campaigns against violence against women and girls.

The dancers went through Bristol from St Werburghs to the city centre, ending with a vigil in Millennium Square.

Every year BAVA hold events on Valentine’s Day to highlight problems of domestic abuse and violence to people, both women and men, who may not realise that there is help available for them.

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“It’s a sad fact that February 14 isn’t a hearts and flowers day for many people" said Shabana Kausar, who is the Co-ordinator for BAVA. "We decided this year to join in the worldwide campaign to end violence against women, but we also want highlight that help and support is available for both women and men, who are experiencing abuse in their relationships.”

“It’s often the case that people in an abusive relationship and their children often blame themselves not the perpetrator" said Amy Campbell from NHS Bristol. "We want to highlight to them that it isn’t their fault and that support is available”

Angela De Silva was one of the dancers: "I was dancing to bring to peoples attention One Billion and Rising and about abuse to women. Every little helps. It starts off little and then gets bigger and bigger."

"I'm a real supporter of equality for women" said Penny Cafrey from Bristol. "I'm the director of a company and I really want to try to end violence towards women across the world."

This is Bristol joined the dancers in Millennium Square for the final dance of the day of action.