SURVIVORS of domestic violence are giving advice to support groups so they can improve their services in County Durham.

About 60 women who were abused by their partners are helping to streamline the work of statutory and voluntary groups to make them more accessible.

At a conference in Durham, the women discussed how the groups they had turned to for help could be improved to encourage more victims to break free of domestic violence.

Suggestions from the event, held as part of a Government initiative to cut violence against women, will be presented to 150 support service professionals next month.

Organisations, including the police, social services and local authority housing departments, provide such support services.

Durham Constabulary's strategic domestic violence co-ordinator, Rachel Green, said that although it meant reliving traumatic experiences, many of the woman were pleased to help and meet others who had similar experiences.

She said: "All the organisations involved, simply want to know where the shortfalls might exist.

"By identifying the gaps and by talking to each other we can, hopefully, correct problems and ultimately provide an improved and more consistent approach."

Ms Green, based at Spennymoor police station, said women were attacked on average 35 times before seeking help, so it was crucial the first group they contacted was able to offer the best possible help.

She said: "Nationally, two women are murdered each week and many more seriously injured by their partners or ex-partners. Last year, nearly 8,000 domestic violence incidents were reported in the Durham area.

"We are trying to make sure that victims get the help they need as quickly as possible."