A conference to raise awareness of domestic violence was held in County Durham yesterday.

Delegates from across the region, including representatives from social services, the police, health services, the probation service and education, gathered at Durham County Cricket Club, overlooking the River Wear at Chester-le-Street, County Durham, for the event.

Organised by Durham County Council and key partners, it aimed to raise awareness, increase understanding and promote the exchange of good practice in County Durham and Darlington.

Among the speakers were Stockton MP Dari Taylor, who outlined the Government's response to tackling domestic violence, and Pauline Taylor, from the Gateshead Safer Families project.

A series of workshops and displays were held throughout the day.

Judith Million, the council's community safety coordinator and chairwoman of the conference, said: "Violence by men against women is far more widespread than official statistics would indicate, and the impact on children is profound.

"Domestic violence is a hidden crime and we all have a responsibility to challenge it.

"The voices of those affected must be seen to influence support services and perpetrators must be held to account for their behaviour.