Women in Bermuda will "Take Back the Night" next week as they walk through Hamilton in an effort to end domestic violence and abuse.

Islanders will have the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of battling domestic violence on Wednesday, June 29, when hundreds of women are expected to walk city streets during Harbour Nights.

The two-kilometre walk is part of an international effort and is organised by the Women's Resource Centre.

"Take Back the Night" events are held in thousands of cities throughout the world and are all based on the same message: "We march to demand that the perpetrators of this violence ? the batterers, rapists and murderers be held responsible for their actions and be made to change," according to the organisers.

WRC counsellor Kathy Jansen said the walk is about empowering women. Two of the speakers will be Julie Rutland, a Police officer who heads the Domestic Violence Response Unit, and Alvin Lee, of the Hamilton Youth Centre, who will demonstrate self-defence techniques.

The walk is also timed to coincide with the murder trial into the death of Chena Trott which is expected to begin this week.

"This is the premier voice particularly as we have had a number of the attacks on women in the community, you read about them almost every day," Ms Jansen said. "Besides the attacks on the Canadian women on South Road and the upcoming Chena Trott trial, there are always attacks listed in the newspaper. We feel that now it is time to make a little bit of noise about it and get the community together to make sure something is done."

The walk is also about creating awareness for the WRC which exists to help women who may be victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse with counselling and support services.

The walk starts at 6.45 p.m. at Albuoy's Point.