WORKING together is imperative in tackling domestic abuse in Wales, Gwent’s chief constable told a conference yesterday.

Chief Constable Carmel Napier joined Independent Police Complaints Commissioner for Wales Tom Davies to host the first domestic abuse conference yesterday.

The conference stemmed fromthe violent deaths of four women in the summer of 2009, all of whom had been in contact with police before they were murdered.

The IPCC investigated each of the cases, in two of which Gwent Police were involved – the deaths of Joanna Michael and Bobbie Stokoe.

Representatives from Wales’ four police forces, health boards, universities, social services and other agencies attended the Working Together to Respect and Protect conference at Cardiff’s Park Plaza hotel.

As well as keynote speakers, there were workshops looking at domestic abuse against men, ethnic communities and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

Mrs Napier said: “In Wales, I believe we are small enough and have the power and the will to improve our response to domestic abuse.

"It’s imperative that we share information, so that victims and their families receive a seamless, effective and timely service.”

Since November last year Gwent Police have been working with Newport council and other partner agencies including social services and the probation service on a pilot scheme aimed at information sharing.

As part of it, a conference call has been held every weekday morning between parties to share updates on ongoing cases.

Mrs Napier told the conference the pilot was so successful that the scheme will be rolled out across Gwent from next month.