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

The third annual "Take Back the Night' event attracted around 60 women - and a handful of men. Hosted by the Women's Resource Centre and Bermuda Security Group, the event kicked off at Albouy's Point with a poetry reading by Denise DeMoura.

Quoting from her book Break the Silence, which is based on her own personal experiences, she said: "You deserve to be loved and accepted without abuse. Break the silence. Reach deep inside yourself. You are still there. Find the strength deep within you to break free. You can do it. Break the silence."

Meanwhile Dr. Carol Ferris told the marchers of her own personal spiritual journey after battling clinical depression and being a victim of abuse. She asked them to reflect on their own personal power.

"Think of that personal power and strength so that it becomes so big that there's no darkness, and that we can truly take back the night," she urged.

The Take Back the Night event is held in cities around the world. Kathy Harriott, director of the Women's Resource Centre, said she was pleased so many people decided to participate in Hamilton and demonstrate their commitment "to the ideology of peace in our country."

The route took the marchers along Front Street to the Crow Lane Roundabout, then back to Albouy's Point.