POLICE have organised a week of events designed to show that domestic abuse will not be tolerated.

The week of action in Durham City began today with a Home Office-sponsored conference at the Durham Centre, in Belmont on tackling stalking and harassment.

On Friday, Derwentside Domestic Abuse Service are to hold an awareness day in Durham Town Hall from 10am to 4pm.

The week culminates with a charity ball at Ramside Hall Hotel on Saturday at 6.30pm, attended by Chief Constable Jon Stoddart. Proceeds from the ball, which features a fashion show, will go to support a women’s refuge in Bishop Auckland.

Rachel Green, Durham Constabulary’s domestic abuse co-ordinator, said: ‘Hosting the events mentioned gives us a real opportunity to highlight the harm caused by domestic abuse across our force area.

"The key message throughout the week of action is simple; domestic abuse will not be tolerated.

"It’s fabulous to have so many young, talented people at the ball on Saturday night who are celebrating and looking forward to bright and happy futures which are abuse free."