Conviction rates for domestic violence incidents are low

These would be used to gather evidence of the aftermath of an assault which could be used for prosecution, even if the victim feels unable to go to court.

It is hoped this would help cut the low conviction rate for the crime.

A Teesside organisation helping women suffering domestic violence has given the move a cautious welcome and called for better protection for victims.

Det Insp Marian Garland, from Durham Police said: "The cameras would try to secure what we call best evidence at the scene.

"We have a good arrest rate in Darlington and County Durham for incidents of domestic violence, but unfortunately a lot of the cases don't reach court, because the Crown Prosecution Service states there is not enough evidence, often because the victim feels they cannot go ahead with a court case.

Victims at risk

"The cameras would record evidence of the victim's injuries, or damage to the property, which could be shown to the perpetrator, hopefully prompting an admission.

"It could also be presented in court, and sometimes it is possible, if there is sufficient evidence, to take the case to court without the victim having to appear."

However, Becky Rogerson from the organisation "My Sister's Place", a Middlesbrough-based organisation helping domestic violence victims believes it is vital victims were not put at risk by the plans.

She said: "If we could take prosecutions forward safely and hold more men to account that would be a good thing.

"But it cannot be at the expense of the victim. Women withdraw statements for all sorts of reasons, but frequently it is because they don't feel safe enough to go ahead with prosecution.

"I propose we should go down the route of supporting women effectively to comply with those prosecutions, rather than taking away that choice and going ahead without them."