The meeting, at the Oakwood Centre in Eaglescliffe, is being chaired by the Stockton South MP Dari Taylor.

Two women die every week at the hands of a violent partner or ex-partner, and damage is done to children in their care, according to the Home Secretary David Blunkett.

The main speaker is Adam Jukes, a psychotherapist and director of a treatment centre for abusive men, who will talk about working with violent males.

The event has been organised by the National Probation Service (NPS) and Stockton Council's Community Safety Department, and supported by Domestic Violence Forums throughout Teesside.

Stockton Community Safety Manager, Marilyn Davies, said the conference is place at a time when the issue of domestic violence is high on the agenda locally.

She said: "We're currently running the bus advertising campaign "Don't Suffer in Silence", which is also running nationally.

"Recently the Home Secretary indicated the Government's determination to tackle the problem with the announcement of a �14m cash boost.

"This conference will allow us to look at local services and identify any gaps."