The Violence Against Women Research Group (VAWRG) will work with agencies and governments, both at home and abroad, to tackle the issue.

Researchers say that, on average, two women are killed each week in the UK as a result of domestic violence.

The violence comes in a number of forms and can be physical or emotional.

VAWRG has close contacts with the UK's Women's Aid federations, the women's refuge movement, rape crisis centres and support groups.

Dr Geetanjali Gangoli, who is co-ordinating the group said: "We hope to combat the issues of domestic violence, whilst also increasing the group's national and international reputation."