What is a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)?

A Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference, commonly referred to as a MARAC, is a meeting where professionals from different agencies collaborate to safeguard people who are at high risk of serious harm due to domestic abuse. The main purpose is to provide a coordinated response that prioritises the safety and well-being of victims and their dependents.

The involvement of multiple agencies ensures that a range of professionals including social workers, police officers, healthcare providers, housing officers, and domestic abuse specialists can pool their expertise and resources. Together, they identify risks, address concerns, and offer support tailored to meet the needs of individuals at risk. This coordinated approach, known as safeguarding enquiries coordination, allows for a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues facing individuals in need of protection. By working together, these professionals can develop and implement a holistic plan to ensure the safety and well-being of those at risk. Safeguarding enquiries coordination also facilitates communication and collaboration among agencies, promoting a more effective and efficient response to safeguarding concerns.

Purpose of a MARAC

The primary aim of a MARAC is to improve the safety of victims of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse can lead to physical injury, emotional harm, and, in severe cases, even fatality. MARACs are designed to intervene at the critical moment when the risk to the victim is deemed high.

By gathering agencies in one room (physically or virtually, depending on the situation), a MARAC ensures that every angle of the victim’s needs is covered. This approach removes the gaps in communication that can occur when agencies work in isolation. It also brings clarity to what each organisation will do as part of the safety plan.

Who Attends a MARAC?

A MARAC brings together professionals from various sectors who deal with domestic abuse cases. Attendees may include:

• Police: They provide insights into the level of risk based on incident reports and behaviours of the alleged perpetrator.
• Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs): These specialists represent the voice of the victim, ensuring their needs, concerns, and preferences are heard during the conference.
• Health Services: General Practitioners (GPs), nurses, or mental health workers may attend to discuss the victim’s physical and mental health.
• Children’s Services: They provide input if children are involved in the situation.
• Housing Teams: Housing officers discuss options for rehousing the victim or addressing unsafe living conditions.
• Probation Services: They give details about offenders who are on probation and potential risks they pose.
• Voluntary Organisations: Organisations specialising in domestic abuse, addiction, or other support services can provide relevant insights.

The range of attendees may vary slightly depending on the victim’s situation.

How a MARAC Works

A MARAC is a structured meeting with a clear agenda and process. Here’s how it typically operates:

1. Referral: A case is referred to the MARAC by an agency or organisation when they identify a person at high risk of harm due to domestic abuse. Risk is assessed using a tool like the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour-Based Violence (DASH) Risk Identification Checklist.
2. Preparation: Before the meeting, each agency gathers information about the case. They consider the victim’s recent history, any known risks, and what support they currently receive. This ensures everyone arrives at the meeting ready to contribute meaningfully.
3. Information Sharing: During the MARAC, all agencies involved share their information. This can include police reports, medical records, or details from housing services. Legal requirements like the Data Protection Act and Caldicott Principles must be adhered to when sharing sensitive information.
4. Risk Assessment: Attendees discuss the risks identified. This might include physical harm, emotional abuse, coercive control, or specific threats made by the perpetrator. Risk assessment ensures everyone’s understanding of the situation is up-to-date.
5. Safety Plan Development: Based on the risk assessment, the group creates a safety plan to protect the victim and any dependents. Actions might include installing security devices, finding alternative housing, or arranging counselling.
6. Follow-Up: After the meeting, each agency is responsible for following through on their assigned actions. Progress is monitored, and updates are shared during subsequent MARACs, if necessary.

Who Can Make a Referral to a MARAC?

Referrals to a MARAC can be made by professionals from any sector that handles domestic abuse cases, such as:

• Police officers
• Health professionals
• Social workers
• Teachers or school safeguarding leads
• Domestic abuse support workers

Referrals are typically made when the professional believes the victim is at a high risk of serious harm or death. Victims themselves cannot refer directly but may seek help from an organisation already involved in their care.

Key Principles of the MARAC Process

The effectiveness of MARACs relies heavily on certain overarching principles. These include:

• Victim-Centred Approach: The victim’s safety, needs, and preferences must always guide decisions. IDVAs often play a core role in ensuring the victim’s voice is represented.
• Information Sharing: Sharing information between agencies, within lawful boundaries, is essential to gain a full understanding of the risks and to formulate effective safety plans.
• Confidentiality: All discussions at MARACs are considered confidential. Attendees must only use shared information to protect the victim or others at risk. Disclosure outside the MARAC requires permission or a legal basis.
• Accountability: Each agency is expected to act upon the decisions made during the meeting to safeguard the victim promptly.

Benefits of a MARAC

The MARAC model has proven effective in improving outcomes for victims of abuse. Some of the key benefits include:

• Coordinated Responses: With multiple agencies working as one, victims receive a consistent and cohesive support system.
• Improved Safety: Addressing high-risk cases quickly can prevent harm and save lives.
• Access to Resources: Agencies can pool their resources to meet complex needs, such as shelter, mental health support, or financial aid.
• Children’s Safeguarding: MARACs also focus on protecting children who may be living in an abusive environment. Collaborative efforts ensure their safety and welfare.
• Holding Perpetrators Accountable: Information shared at MARACs can contribute to actions against perpetrators, such as arrests, restraining orders, or stricter monitoring.

Challenges and Criticisms

While MARACs achieve significant positive outcomes, there are some challenges in practice:

• Resource Limitations: The involvement of multiple organisations can stretch their resources, especially when demand for MARACs is high.
• Information Sharing: Balancing confidentiality with the need to share crucial information is often complex, particularly within the confines of data protection laws.
• Lack of Perpetrator Focus: MARACs tend to focus on victim safety, but some critics feel more needs to be done to address the behaviour of the perpetrator.
• Engagement of Victims: Victims may not always feel comfortable with the process or may decline involvement, making it harder to enact effective plans.

When is a MARAC Not the Best Option?

Not all domestic abuse cases require input from a MARAC. The process is meant for high-risk situations. Lower-risk cases are often managed through standard safeguarding procedures within individual agencies. Using MARACs for every case could overwhelm the system and detract from their purpose.

If risk is still unclear, professionals involved could carry out further assessments to determine the best course of action. Consultation with an IDVA or domestic abuse worker can also help in deciding whether to make a MARAC referral.

Role of the Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)

IDVAs play a central role in MARACs. They represent the victim’s views and ensure that their needs are addressed. An IDVA’s involvement ensures the victim does not feel ignored in a process where professionals are making decisions on their behalf.

Their duties often include:

• Advocating for the victim’s safety and well-being to all other professionals
• Ensuring actions taken by agencies align with the victim’s wishes (where possible)
• Providing emotional and practical support to the victim outside meetings

Legal Considerations in MARACs

The MARAC process operates within a framework of UK laws regarding safeguarding, information sharing, and confidentiality. Agencies working within MARACs must adhere to:

• Data Protection Act 2018: This governs how personal data can be used and shared during the MARAC process.
• Children Act 1989 and 2004: These laws emphasise the duty to protect children from harm, which is often a key concern in domestic abuse cases.
• Human Rights Act 1998: Agencies must balance the victim’s rights to privacy with their duty to protect them and others from harm.

Statistics on MARAC Effectiveness

Although data varies, MARACs have shown to provide significant benefits for victims. Key findings from various studies and reports include:

• Victims referred to MARACs who received support from IDVAs were less likely to experience further abuse.
• Repeat victimisation rates tend to fall significantly within the first year after MARAC intervention.
• Agencies routinely report improved communication and collaboration through the MARAC process.

How Can a Victim Seek Help?

If you believe you or someone you know is at high risk of serious harm from domestic abuse, speak to your local police, social services, or a domestic abuse helpline. They can assist in getting the right help, including accessing a MARAC if necessary.

Specialist organisations like Women’s Aid and Refuge also offer practical support, advice, and safe housing for victims of domestic abuse.

Conclusion

A Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) is an invaluable tool in protecting victims of domestic abuse at high risk of serious harm. By bringing together professionals from different sectors, MARACs create a unified approach to safeguarding. They provide practical solutions to complex problems, helping victims rebuild their lives safely and confidently.

Through effective collaboration, MARACs play an essential role in reducing harm, saving lives, and offering hope to those experiencing domestic abuse.