West Midlands Police organised the meeting after the issue was highlighted by the Coventry and Warwickshire Lesbian and Gay Forum.

Just under 100 people attended the seminar which highlighted the need for more information on the issue.

Representatives from 17 agencies including Coventry Domestic Violence Partnership attended.

The meeting highlighted the lack of information that was available to people who have experienced domestic violence in gay or lesbian relationships

PC Nadine Whiteford

PC Nadine Whiteford, from Little Park Street police station, Coventry, said around 30 per cent of same sex relationships were affected by domestic violence.

"The meeting highlighted the lack of information that was available to people who have experienced domestic violence in gay or lesbian relationships," she said.

PC Whiteford said at the time the issue was raised they were not aware of any projects set up to highlight the issue.

Necessary action

"Research led us to the Hold Tight, Tight Hold project which does tackle the issue and project worker Dee Shelly was invited along.

"Each agency involved will now attempt to discover if anything changes in their area as a result of this seminar," she said.

"The findings will be fed back to the Coventry and Warwickshire Lesbian and Gay Forum and necessary action taken in due course."

A group has also been set up for domestic violence officers from across Coventry and Warwickshire police to find out more information about the issue.