In a rare event designed to raise their profile, about 50 survivors of domestic abuse and their supporters held a parade in central Tokyo Sunday to demonstrate their vows not to succumb to violence.

The participants, mostly women, marched along the wide avenue known as Omotesando Dori disguised by an array of costumes to protect their privacy. Their outfits featured the color purple, which is being used to promote awareness of domestic violence.

The rally was peaceful, with marchers happily waving at passers-by while chanting such slogans as "We are free!" "Violence and surveillance are not love" and "Let us be who we are!"

"The main purpose of the event is to let victims of domestic violence living in the shadow know that they are not alone," said freelance journalist Chie Matsumoto, one of the organizers.

"Victims are not responsible for the violence. It is the responsibility of the abusers. It is the responsibility of the society that accepts violence," she added.

This year, the event was joined by Catherine Jane Fisher, an Australian who was raped by a U.S. sailor in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, in 2002. Her pursuit of justice came to a conclusion in 2013 when she won a historic civil judgment against her assailant.

Mari, a 58-year-old survivor of spousal abuse who only gave her first name, said she joined the demonstration to empower others in her situation.

With her two children, she fled her abuser when she was 40, divorcing him a year later. Mari said her ex-spouse, an accomplished judoka, routinely attacked her at every opportunity — such as when he found his miso soup lukewarm or his room not tidy enough.

He purposely avoided beating or kicking her outright to ensure no unsightly bruises would mark her body.

The violence spanned more than 10 years, she said.

"Unlike in my time, there are now many more shelters available. So if you're currently a victim of domestic violence, just run away before it is too late," she advised.

Another survivor, who only identified herself as Goto, said although she did not experience physical abuse, her former husband kept close watch on her at all times by checking her cell phone records and accompanying her wherever she went. He liked to "lecture" her over the tiniest missteps and demanded she apologize profusely until he felt satisfied, Goto said.

"Lots of domestic violence victims tend to think that they're somehow at fault for what they've been going through. I hope the parade will make them realize that it's OK for them to speak out," the 54-year-old said.