Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)

What is a MARAC?

The MARAC is a victim-focused meeting where information is shared on the highest risk cases of domestic abuse between criminal justice, health, child protection, housing practitioners, IDVAs (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate) as well as other specialists from the statutory and voluntary sectors. A safety plan for each victim is then created.
MARAC meetings are held on a monthly basis.

How do practitioners determine if an individual is at high-risk?

Practitioners are required to carry out a risk-assessment. Although there are a variety of risk-assessments available across the country, Cambridgeshire’s Domestic Violence Partnership has identified that the CAADA Risk Assessment model is the most relevant to the MARAC process.
Once the risk assessment had been downloaded from CAADA’s website (please follow external link on the right), it should be completed as soon as possible with the victim to determine the level of need/risk. If the risk assessment score is 14 or more, the MARAC threshold for high-risk has been met and a referral to the conference should be made.

How do practitioners refer to the MARAC?

Once a high-risk case has been identified, the practitioner contacts the MARAC administrator to ascertain whether or not a referral has already been made to MARAC by another agency. If it has not, the practitioner can access the relevant documents for a referral via the CAADA web site. Referrals should be submitted securely (via secure email or fax) to the MARAC administrator at least 8 days prior to the MARAC.

What happens if the abuse continues?

The Government has said that all subsequent incidents of abuse, which occur within 12 months of the original MARAC hearing, should be re-referred to the MARAC immediately. Therefore the same process as used in the initial referral should be followed. Incidents that would constitute a re-referral include

• Violence (to the person or property) or threats of violence
• Where there is a pattern of stalking or harassment
• Where rape or sexual abuse is disclosed

To discuss your training requirements in more detail call Jan Harrison who is the senior consultant. Her contact number is 0800 774 7034 or email Jan at jan@childprotectiontraining.uk.com.

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