HUNDREDS of people will take to the streets of Glasgow in protest against prostitution and the trafficking of women.

The theme of this year's Reclaim The Night march on Monday is "Women are not for sale in Scotland".

The marchers will set off from the Botanic Gardens at 6pm and make their way to the STUC building in Woodlands Road.

The event is organised annually by Rape Crisis Glasgow as part of a worldwide campaign to end violence against women.

The charity is backing attempts by Labour MSP Rhoda Grant to reintroduce a Bill that would make it a criminal offence to pay for sex.

The Glasgow centre has just received funding to appoint a new dedicated advocate for asylum seekers and refugees who have been the victim of sex crimes. It is the first post of its kind in Scotland.

Isabelle Kerr, manager of Rape Crisis Glasgow, said "We are very supportive of Rhoda's Bill.

"We do not want to penalise the women involved in prostitution. We understand most women get involved because they feel they have a very limited range of options. That's what women tell us.

"We are very concerned because a number of studies have shown prostitution and trafficking does increase in advance of large sporting events and Glasgow will soon have the Commonwealth Games.

"We know Glasgow City Council has a very clear policy on prostitution as the abuse and exploitation of women, so that is something we will be working together on."

The charity has just received funding from Comic Relief to appoint a dedicated counsellor for asylum seekers and refugees who have been the victim of sex crimes in their native country or in Glasgow.

Ms Kerr said: "Women coming to us are so traumatised by the asylum process they find it very difficult to focus on the added trauma of a sexual assault.

"This may have happened in their country or origin or in Glasgow.

"These women may have been held prisoner or tortured. We really needed a dedicated sexual violence advocate."

Marchers are asked to assemble at the Botanic Gardens at 6pm. The event will include music, stalls, food and refreshments.

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk