An anti-rape demonstration will take place in Dumfries to raise awareness of sexual violence and assaults.
The town’s Anti-Rape Group is encouraging victims and survivors to take collective action.
A spokewoman for the group said: “We want victims and survivors to feel less isolated, and to show how incredibly common sexual violence and rape is so that this community issue can be collectively dismantled.
“Rape and violence are not inevitable things that just happen, they are choices made by rapists.
“At the moment, the culture in Dumfries is to threaten victims and survivors like the problem, to punish and isolate them for having the incredible bravery and kindness to speak up. This needs to change.
“The sole cause of rape is rapists and it will continue until they are held to account, both at a national policy level, a judicial level and also at a local, community level.”
A group of residents from Dumfries is organising the protest and already planning to be speaking on the day.
The spokesperson added: “Many local groups are supportive and are helping to fund, organise, and promote. We are overwhelmed that groups from as far as London are offering to attend and speak.
“It is also an invitation for the creative and artistic community in Dumfries to participate. It is exciting to think about what attendees might come up with on the day.
“It is important to educate people - this is not a shaming exercise. It is an educational opportunity.”
A non-violent protest will take place in the High Street on Saturday July 9 at 1pm.
