KABUL: Dozens of Afghan activists have marked Valentine's Day by marching in Kabul to denounce violence against women.    

Concern has risen after rights organizations last year found that Afghan women are frequently victims of violence, despite a law against it and increased prosecution of abusers.

Rights activist Humaira Rasouli says the marchers want violence against women ''to be eliminated or at least reduced in Afghanistan,'' but unfortunately it ''is increasing day to day.''

Riot police stood guard as male and female activists walked from the landmark Darul Aman Palace outside of Kabul to an area near parliament. Unlike past protests that were marred by stone-throwing and insults, Thursday's march remained peaceful.

The event is part of a global domestic violence awareness campaign called One Billion Rising.