North Hertfordshire College students are to take part in a march raising awareness for domestic violence.

On Wednesday between 11.30am and 3.30pm, 400 North Hertfordshire College students, plus members of the public will be marching through Stevenage Town Centre showing their support by making as much noise as possible to break the silence on domestic violence.

The ‘Domestic Violence: Break the Silence’ event has been organised in association with the Home Office Domestic Violence Advisory Group. Following recent changes to the definition of domestic violence, which now includes 16 and 17 year olds and coercive control, the government has been working with the NSPCC to consult with young people about the changes and impact it may have on them.

Following this consultation and with support from ChildLine, Stevenage Borough Council and North Hertfordshire College are working in partnership to deliver this event under the Stevenage Against Domestic Abuse Action Plan.

The march, which forms part of the event, will be starting at North Hertfordshire College at 12pm and will take a route through Stevenage Town Centre. The theme is to make as much noise as possible and break the silence on domestic violence. Students will also be wearing t-shirts and displaying banners/posters which they will have created prior to the event, all reflecting domestic violence awareness messages.

If you are a support service that would like to have a stall at the event or if you would like to participate in the march please contact Gemma Brown on 01438 242457 or email gemma.brown@stevenage.gov.uk to get involved.