The MARAC process explained

In Devon, agencies working with victims of domestic violence and abuse are required to use a common risk assesment tool. The risk identification checklist (RIC) CAADA DASH was launched in Devon in January 2011.

The purpose of the RIC is to give a consistent and simple tool for practitioners who work with adult victims of domestic abuse in order to help them identify those who are at high risk of harm and whose cases should be referred to a Multi Agency Risk Assesment Conference (MARAC) meeting in order to manage their risk.

If a victim is assessed as high on a risk assessment they will be referred to the MARAC. The victim cannot attend the MARAC meeting but they will be offered support from Domestic violence and abuse service to reduce the risk and told about the decisions the MARAC has made.

The MARAC is a monthly meeting intended to share information about people who are at  High Risk in order to reduce risk, develop a safety plan, and offer support.

Generally, victims will be informed beforehand that their case is to be referred to the MARAC.  In exceptional cases, referrals are made without the victim’s knowledge.  This is because it may not be possible to contact the client, or the risk is considered so high that information needs to be shared between the agencies to try and keep them safe, even when they are not engaging with the agencies.

Domestic violence and abuse service offers support to all victims referred to the MARAC.  We 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 for them and what their options are.  We will also ask if there is anything the victim would like discussed at the meeting.

When we contact a victim, we will talk about immediate safety planning. We can also advise on Legal Aid, injunctions, child access issues, housing, debt counselling and other financial issues and any other problems which are of concern.

After the MARAC meeting, we will again contact the victim to inform them of any actions agreed, and what further safety measures are to be put into place.