6.1 Identify the organisations and groups involved in multi-agency partnerships about domestic abuse

This guide will help you answer 6.1 Identify the organisations and groups involved in multi-agency partnerships about domestic abuse.

Multi-agency partnership means different organisations and groups working together to support and protect people affected by domestic abuse. This approach combines the skills, resources and authority of several bodies so that responses are coordinated and effective. In cases of domestic abuse, collaboration helps address both immediate risks and long-term needs. The roles range from emergency intervention to ongoing support in housing, health care, and legal protection.

Each agency may focus on one part of the situation, but they share information when lawful and appropriate. This ensures all professionals have the full picture before making decisions. By combining work, agencies can prevent gaps in care and reduce the risk of harm.

Police Services

Police have a key role in protecting victims and investigating crimes linked to domestic abuse. They respond to emergency calls and can remove offenders from a property if needed. They collect evidence, take statements, and can arrest offenders.

Police officers trained in domestic abuse can refer victims to support services such as Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs). They work closely with other partners through Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs) to share information and create safety plans.

Key police functions in partnerships include:

• Emergency response
• Crime investigation
• Evidence gathering
• Referral to victim support services
• Participation in MARAC meetings

Social Services

Social workers deal with both adults and children affected by domestic abuse. They assess risk, arrange safeguarding measures, and coordinate support for families. They may work with housing officers, health professionals, and charities to give victims practical help.

Social services have a statutory duty to protect children and vulnerable adults. In multi-agency settings, they share safeguarding concerns and act quickly if a child is at risk. They also provide ongoing case management and coordinate with other agencies to monitor progress.

Key social services roles include:

• Safeguarding vulnerable individuals
• Emotional support
• Practical assistance such as temporary accommodation
• Linking families with specialist services

Health Services

Doctors, nurses and other health professionals often identify domestic abuse during routine health appointments or emergency care. Injuries, mental health issues, and stress-related illnesses may signal abuse. Health workers must be trained to recognise these indicators.

They can refer patients discreetly to specialist support teams. In hospitals, safeguarding leads oversee cases and liaise with other agencies. Midwives play an important role, as pregnancy can be a high-risk time for abuse.

Health services involvement includes:

• Identifying abuse indicators
• Recording and reporting concerns
• Providing medical treatment
• Referring to safeguarding and support services
• Offering counselling and mental health care

Housing Departments

Local authority housing officers can help victims secure safe accommodation. This might mean arranging emergency refuge placements or moving them into secure council housing. Housing teams work with domestic abuse services to ensure the location is safe and away from the perpetrator.

The organisations sometimes support tenants in changing locks, installing security systems, or accessing financial aid. Housing departments are often part of MARACs to share information and act quickly.

Roles in housing sector partnerships:

• Emergency shelter provision
• Safe rehousing
• Security upgrades
• Liaison with refuges

Specialist Domestic Abuse Charities

Several charities across the UK offer targeted help for victims of domestic abuse. Refuge, Women’s Aid, SafeLives, and Mankind Initiative are examples. They provide refuges, helplines, outreach support, counselling services, and advocacy.

Charities often run community education programmes to raise awareness. They are central in multi-agency networks as they deal directly with victims and can feed essential details back to partners. Many work with children affected by abuse as well.

They may offer:

• 24-hour helplines
• Safe accommodation
• Outreach workers
• Legal advice clinics
• Specialist support for male victims

Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs)

An IDVA is a trained specialist who works with victims at high risk of harm. They are often based within police, local authority or charity settings. IDVAs focus on safety planning and guiding victims through the criminal justice process.

They represent the victim’s voice at MARAC meetings, ensuring their needs are reflected in action plans. IDVAs often help victims engage with court cases, apply for protective orders, and access housing and welfare support.

Key IDVA roles in partnerships:

• Risk assessment
• Safety planning
• Court support and advocacy
• Liaison between victim and agencies

Probation Services

Probation officers manage offenders who have been convicted of domestic abuse crimes. They assess the risk of reoffending and may arrange rehabilitation programmes. By working with other agencies, they contribute to public protection plans.

Probation services in multi-agency partnerships:

• Risk management of offenders
• Rehabilitation programme attendance monitoring
• Information sharing with police and social services
• Enforcing court orders and licence conditions

Legal Aid and Solicitors

Some victims need legal help to apply for injunctions or protective orders. Solicitors may specialise in family law or criminal law. Legal aid services make legal representation accessible to those on low incomes.

Legal professionals liaise with police, courts, and domestic abuse support workers to build cases. They provide advice on child custody, divorce proceedings, and housing rights.

Legal aid and solicitors roles:

• Representation in court
• Advice on protective measures
• Guidance on family law matters
• Liaison with police and other advocacy services

Education Providers

Teachers and other school staff have regular contact with children. They may spot signs of abuse in a child’s behaviour, appearance, or academic performance. Schools work with social services and other partners to protect children.

Some education providers host outreach programmes to raise awareness about healthy relationships. Safeguarding leads within schools share information appropriately with police and social workers.

Education providers involvement:

• Spotting warning signs in children
• Liaison with safeguarding teams
• Providing a safe environment at school
• Delivering awareness sessions

MARAC – Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference

MARAC is a formal meeting where agencies share information about high-risk domestic abuse cases. Representatives from police, health, housing, social services, probation, and charities attend. The aim is to produce a coordinated safety plan.

MARAC helps prevent serious harm. It reduces duplication and ensures all agencies carry out agreed actions quickly.

Features of MARAC:

• Confidentiality agreements
• Case-by-case discussion
• Clear action plans
• Shared updates between meetings

Faith Organisations

Some victims turn to faith leaders for help. Churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples may provide emotional support, temporary shelter, or financial assistance. Faith organisations can act as a bridge to specialist agencies.

These organisations may work in multi-agency partnerships when their members face domestic abuse. They can connect victims with police, health professionals, and charities.

Faith organisations can:

• Offer confidential listening
• Provide shelter and food
• Connect victims to specialist services
• Raise awareness through community events

Community Groups

Neighbourhood organisations and local interest groups often play a role in identifying and supporting victims. They can offer peer support, practical help with transport, childcare, or meals.

Community groups may liaise with formal agencies when a member faces danger. Some run campaigns or training sessions about domestic abuse in partnership with charities and councils.

Roles of community groups:

• Peer support networks
• Raising awareness locally
• Helping victims access official channels
• Practical daily assistance

How Information is Shared

Sharing information between agencies must follow legal rules. The Data Protection Act and safeguarding laws guide what can be shared. In domestic abuse cases, sharing information can be justified to protect someone from harm.

Agencies agree formal protocols on data sharing. This prevents misunderstandings and protects confidentiality. Clear communication builds trust between partners and improves victim safety.

Information sharing highlights:

• Following legal frameworks
• Using secure systems
• Limiting access to authorised staff
• Keeping victims informed where possible

Final Thoughts

When a person experiences domestic abuse, their needs spread across several areas — safety, health, housing, legal rights, and emotional support. No single organisation can cover every requirement. That is why multi-agency partnerships exist. They unite different skills and powers into a single coordinated response.

Workers in health and social care need to know which organisations to involve and understand their roles. By recognising the contributions of police, social services, health providers, housing teams, charities, IDVAs, probation, legal aid, education, faith organisations, and community groups, you can act swiftly and effectively. Collaboration creates stronger protection for victims and can prevent further harm.