Hundreds of people have gathered at a rally in Melbourne calling for tougher sentencing for violent criminals.

The Enough is Enough rally in Treasury Gardens comes in the wake of the murders of women including Masa Vukotic and Jill Meagher.

Protesters, including Ms Vukotic’s mother, called for an end to social violence and asked for harsher penalties for those who commit violent crimes.

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There was a self-defence demonstration before the crowd marched in silence to the steps of parliament to honour victims.

Demonstrators called for tougher sentences for violent criminals in the wake of high-profile attacks on women. Photo: ABC

Demonstrators carried placards calling for harsher penalties for re-offenders and with one sign reading “No Bail, No Parole”.

‘We should feel safe on our streets’ another sign read.

Former politician Phil Cleary, whose sister was murdered by her ex-partner, was among a group who delivered speeches to the crowd.

He called for an end to violence against women.

“We have to solve the problem collectively by gathering together and saying to our mates ‘the woman in your life is not your possession’,” he said.

“Jill Meagher walking down the street does not belong to you Adrian Bayley.”

The demonstrators are expected to draft a proposal about tougher sentencing for the Victorian Government.

The Enough is Enough movement began on Facebook and has since attracted 15,000 supporters