CAMPAIGNERS marched against sexual violence at Southampton’s first Reclaim the Night event.

Men and women young and old came together and made their way past nightlife spots and through the city centre’s parks on Saturday night.

As reported in the Daily Echo, figures show that cases of rape in the city have risen by 33 per cent in the past 12 months, with 88 attacks involving women under 18.

Anna Godsell, a member of Hampshire Feminist Collective, said: “We thought it would be a good thing to do, especially given the levels of sexual violence in the city.

“We got about 150 people together and all assembled at the Guildhall and went through the parks and near some of the clubs.

“It was a really good atmosphere and we ended up at the Friends Meeting House and heard speeches from people who had worked with victims of sexual violence.

“It was people of all genders and all ages and it was really nice to see.”

The group is hoping to organise a similar event next year.

Attendees of the rally raised more than £350 to split between Southampton Rape Crisis and Southampton Women’s Aid.

They say anyone who would like to donate to the campaign can do so by visiting indiegogo.com.