Hundreds of women strip off in Brazil to take part in 'SlutWalk' protest against sexual violence

Hundreds of women stripped off to protest rape and violence as part of a SlutWalk event. The event, which featured powerful messages and colourful displays, was held along Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beachfront in Brazil. They also wanted to fight against proposed new abortion restrictions which, if passed, would mean a woman who was raped could only have a termination if she could prove the crime. The protesters said a woman is killed every two hours in Brazil which they claim makes it the fifth most dangerous country for females. photos after the cut...

The topless participants had slogans written on their bodies and banners as they marched through the streets and blocked traffic.
Protesters said one their key aims was to address claims by some that women provoke attacks by the way they dress or act.

Stephanie Ruas, 26, said: "We may face violence anywhere. At school, as a young girl, at work - that's the culture.
"Brazil is one of the worst places for a woman to travel alone. When I travel I bring a special door jam so that my hotel room cannot be opened."