WOMEN will ‘Reclaim the Night’ during a march through Oxford this month.

The walk, on Sunday, November 25, is an attempt to reclaim spaces women may avoid for fear of violence, sexual harassment or rape, and raise awareness about violence against women.

Organisers say 85,000 women are raped every year and that one in five women aged 16-59 experience some form of sexual violence in their life.

The event, which restarted in 2005 and has run each year since, takes place on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and has support from Oxfordshire Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Centre. Refugee Resource, Oxford Against Cutting, The Young Women’s Music Project, Headington Girls School, Oxford's two universities and Pegasus Theatre, among others.

Lisa Ward, a co-organiser and director of Oxfordshire Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Centre, said: “Now more than ever we need to raise awareness that violence against women and girls is still happening, and must be urgently addressed. Since Oxfordshire Sexual Abuse Rape Crisis Centre was opened in Oxford nearly 40 years we have supported thousands of women who have experienced many forms of sexual violence, this event is our way of highlighting that there is more to be done.

“Reclaim the Night will unite women against violence and show that together we can create freedom from fear."

Debbie Hollingsworth, another co-organiser, added: "We are encouraging everyone to ‘rise up’ and say that violence against women and girls is not acceptable in our city."

The march is being planned with the help of Oxford University students.

Student Union Vice President for Women Katt Walton said: “In my role as VP Women at I am frequently contacted with stories and fears from students relating to the violence that faces women and girls in society and specifically the university community. I want this march to empower women and girls to reclaim spaces so often denied to them because of the threat of sexual violence, this year we will #riseup.”

Reclaim the Night is aimed at all 'self-identifying women' and also welcomes children.

The walk will start with a rally at Modern Art Oxford at 6.30pm, before heading to East Oxford Community Centre, where there will be drinks and entertainment.

A banner making workshop ahead of the march will take place on Thursday, November 22, at Oxford University Student’s Union on Worcester Street from 6pm.