Domestic abuse victims across Hitchin and Hertfordshire are set to benefit from closer cooperation between police, charities and specialist support organisations.

More than 30 organisations from across the county came together for Hertfordshire Constabulary's first domestic abuse practitioners' conference.

The event, held at Knebworth Barns and organised by the force's Vulnerability Hub, was designed to improve the way different agencies work together to support victim-survivors of domestic abuse.

Organisations taking part included For Baby's Sake, Kulpa, Pathways, the University of Hertfordshire, Hollie Guard and Victim Support.

Detective Inspector Grant Bennett, from the Vulnerability Hub, organised the conference alongside Sergeant Jon Vine.

He said: "We wanted to bring key domestic abuse specialist support services under one roof to share knowledge and expertise to help each other give victim-survivors in Hertfordshire the best service possible.

"Domestic abuse is complicated and multiple organisations are often needed to help each person.

"There is so much we can do to help victim-survivors together as it is not just a police response that is needed – or often, even wanted."

DI Bennett said every case was different and the conference was intended to ensure organisations understood the expertise and assistance available elsewhere in the county.

The event also highlighted the role technology can play in supporting people experiencing domestic abuse.

Pathways, which provides free emergency legal support and protection, welcomed the opportunity for organisations to work more closely together.

A spokesperson said: "As a Hertfordshire-created organisation, we are deeply committed to continuing to grow what we do, make a meaningful difference, and play our part in the ongoing strategy to make Hertfordshire an even better and safer place to live."

For Baby's Sake, a charity working to break cycles of domestic abuse and give babies the best start in life, described the conference as "exceptionally well organised", praising the range of presentations on domestic abuse services available across Hertfordshire.

The constabulary's Vulnerability Hub provides a specialist first response to domestic abuse and other vulnerability-related incidents using secure video technology.

It enables officers and staff to speak to victims quickly, assess risks, provide safeguarding advice and determine the most appropriate response from police or partner organisations.

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse can contact the Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 808 8088 or report domestic abuse to Hertfordshire Constabulary online. In an emergency, always call 999 if it is safe to do so.