4.22 Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC)

1. Introduction

A Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) is a local, multi-agency victim focused meeting where professionals meet to share information on high risk cases of domestic abuse.

Information about the risks faced by those victims, the actions needed to ensure safety, and the resources available locally are discussed, and used to create a risk management plan involving all agencies. The MARAC is part of a coordinated response to domestic abuse, incorporating representatives from statutory, community and voluntary agencies working with victims, adults experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, children and alleged perpetrators.

The MARAC aims to:

• share information to increase the safety, health and wellbeing of victims / survivors and their children;
• determine whether the alleged perpetrator poses a significant risk to any particular individual or to the general community;
• construct and jointly implement a risk management plan that provides professional support to all those at risk and that reduces the risk of harm;
• reduce repeat victimisation;
• improve agency accountability; and
• improve support for staff involved in high risk domestic abuse cases.

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) may also need to be considered in relation to an offender (see Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements chapter).

2. MARAC Attendance

The MARAC consists of a core group of professionals, representing the statutory and voluntary sectors. The meeting involves contribution and commitment from agencies including police, probation, children’s social care, adult social care (mental health, safeguarding adults), health, education, housing, substance misuse services, and specialist domestic abuse services. Other agencies can attend as required, when they have involvement in a case which is being discussed.

The victim does not attend the meeting, nor the perpetrator or Crown Prosecution Service.

3. Independent Domestic Violence Advisors

Each victim referred to the MARAC will be allocated an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA). The IDVA is a trained specialist whose goal is the safety of domestic abuse victims, focusing on victims at high risk of harm.

The IDVA will attempt to make contact with the referrer and the victim following receipt of a MARAC referral. The IDVA’s job is to be a bridge between victims and the MARAC meeting. The IDVA will try and meet the victim beforehand, or at least talk to them on the phone, and explain how the meeting works, what it can do, and what the options are.

The IDVA will also ask if there is anything the victim would want to be discussed at the meeting.

4. Making a Referral to MARAC

Referrals can be made (and are encouraged) by any agency who identifies a victim of domestic abuse as being high risk. A DASH Risk Identification Checklist  (see Section 5, DASH Checklist) will enable a practitioner to determine the level of risk posed to a victim. Upon meeting the MARAC threshold for high risk, the local MARAC coordinator / administrator should be contacted regarding making a referral. The case will be submitted for the next available MARAC; however in some circumstances, an emergency MARAC meeting may be called.

5. DASH Checklist

See Resources for Identifying the Risk Victims Face, DASH Checklist (SafeLives)

The DASH Checklist is for all professionals working with victims of domestic abuse, stalking and honour based abuse.

If a practitioner identifies an individual they are or have been working with, is a victim of domestic abuse, they should complete the tool with the individual, where possible.

The DASH checklist will gather relevant information about the person’s circumstances in order to assess the risk posed to them.

DASH gives a consistent and practical tool to practitioners working with victims of domestic abuse to help them identify those who are at high risk of harm.

It should be noted, however, training is crucial to understanding the DASH Risk Model and it is therefore recommended all staff have training prior to completing the checklist in practice.