The conference on Saturday at Teesside University will be a chance for people to share their ideas.

Among those taking part in the event, which is part of the Labour Party's Big Conversation, are counsellors, doctors and MPs.

There will be a number of presentations about new laws and research into violence towards women.

Respond to violence

Stockton South MP Dari Taylor said: "One in four women will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives and two women are killed every week by a current or former partner.

"This isn't something to worry about tomorrow, or next month: we need to take action now."

Among those giving presentations are Professor Liz Kell, an academic who has researched violence towards women, and Salma Castle, who helps victims from black and minority ethnic communities.

Redcar MP Vera Baird said: "The Big Conversation at the University of Teesside will bring together people who every day deal with the aftermath of rape and violence.

"We all need to listen to them. We all need to think about how to prevent and respond to violence against women."