Hundreds of women stripped off to protest rape and violence as part of a SlutWalk event.

The topless participants had slogans written on their bodies and banners as they marched through the streets and blocked traffic.

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The event, which featured powerful messages and colourful displays, was held along Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beachfront in Brazil.

Protesters said one their key aims was to address claims by some that women provoke attacks by the way they dress or act.

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.

Demonstrators scrawled words onto their breasts, stomachs, backs and arms with lipstick and crayons and there was samba dancing.