PREPARATIONS are being made for a lantern-lit procession through the town to raise awareness for Malvern Women's Refuge.

This year, the campaign is focussing on children in a gentle way to teach them about domestic violence.

Sharon Rolliston, co-ordinator for the refuge, said the aim of the campaign was to let children know that they have a right to feel safe in their own homes.

"With child abuse, they don't necessarily know that what's happening to them is wrong until afterwards," she said.

"I have been asked by children why we're doing this and I tell them we want them to know that they have a right to feel safe in their own homes and if they don't feel safe then something is not right," said Ms Rolliston.

The parade will take place on Saturday, December 2 at 4.30pm from the Elgar Statue to Malvern Youth Centre.

Lantern making and drumming workshops are taking place at Malvern primary schools and at the youth centre on Monday, November 27 and Saturday, December 2, at 2pm, in preparation for the procession.

There will also be a display and portrait painting opportunities for children in Safeway on Tuesday, November 21 and Tuesday, November 28.

Following the parade, which is being funded by the Community Safety Partnership, there will be refreshments and a fireworks display at Malvern Youth Centre.

Malvern Women's Refuge has been open for over two years and up to April this year had received 312 referrals and admitted 84 women.

"We're always full and the need for this service in Malvern is very great," said Ms Rolliston.