Five ways to wellbeing

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Page updated: 13 Sep 2011

Multi-agency risk assessment conference (MARAC)

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If someone is assessed as at very high risk of domestic abuse, (scoring very high on a standard risk assessment) they will be referred to the MARAC. The MARAC is a monthly meeting chaired by the police. It is intended to share information about very high risk clients in order to prevent serious harm, develop a safety plan, put all possible support in place and lower the risk as soon as possible. The meeting is attended by any organisations which may be involved in supporting victims, or which are connected with the perpetrator.

Representatives at the MARAC reflect the needs and risks faced by the victim whose cases are discussed, and therefore the list of potential attendees can include the criminal justice agencies (such as the police, probation, the youth offending team and the ASBO team), the health agencies (including the primary care trust, the acute trust, the mental health trust and school nurses), housing agencies and those working with adults (including vulnerable adult nurses and social workers and substance misuse workers.

The information shared at the meeting is confidential and is intended to be used solely to enable safety and support measures to be put in place. Discussing safety round the table in this way
safeguards against gaps in the safety plan, or duplication of actions.

People who have experienced domestic abuse will have to give consent and be informed beforehand that their case is to be referred to the MARAC. In exceptional cases, referrals are made without the victim’s knowledge to ensure the victim's safety.

Actions that can come out of the MARAC include 'Sanctuary', which means the victim’s house is made safe, alarm installed, locks changed, etc.  If the person has children, their schools are made aware in order to support the children and prevent the perpetrator arriving and removing them inappropriately. MARAC also helps in highlighting when people need extra support, advice in obtaining benefits and support in finding alternative accommodation.