Information for Professionals

Multi Agency Risk Assesment Conferences (MARACs)

MARACS are part of the Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVC) programme. Similar to Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA), whereas MAAPA assess the risk of the perpetrator, MARACs assess the risk to victims of domestic abuse. Only high risk victims are referred to the MARACs. Representattives from Statuatory and Voluntary agencies come together to share information to help reduce the level of risk of repeat victimisation. More information about MARACs can be found in the MARAC section of this website

.

In order to help the Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate contact all clients referred to the MARACs, please ensure that you contact the IDVA at the same time as making the referral. The IDVA can be contacted on 01226 243761

The referral form will be changing slightly to adopt new additions by CAADA (Co-ordinated Action against Domestic Abuse). The changes take account of significant concerns that may be present with the victim of domestic abuse. The first five questions on the form have a new box ‘significant concerns’. Please make sure that when making referrals  you use the new latest version.

The Barnsley approach is that if you have concerns as to whether your client can be referred to MARACS.  Please consult with the lead person in your Agency. If there is no lead person in your agency, then please contact Colin Brotherston. Principal Hate & Hidden Crime Officer on 01226 774966. We would much rather that an inappropriate referral is made to MARACS than no referral resulting with disastrous consequences.

If in doubt, MARAC.

The guidance below is based on the experience of the South Wales Police force and the Womens’ Safety Unit in Cardiff.

Guidance on classifying risk levels

Very High Risk =10 ticks in the yes box or 4 significant concerns (Q1-5) or If there are 3 police call-outs in 12 months

High Risk = 6-9 ticks in the yes box or3 significant concerns (Q1-5) or 2 police call-outs in 12 months

Medium Risk = Up to 6 ticks in the yes box or  1 or 2 significant concerns (Q1-5)

Standard Risk = Where no question in ticked in the yes box

Maximum number of ticks = 20 (do not include ‘significant concern’ questions in this total)

In all cases, IDVAs should take the victim’s perception of their risk very seriously and should use their professional judgement if a client appears to be at high or very high risk even if they do not meet the criteria outlined above.

This form, originally developed by South Wales Police, has been updated to reflect the research on its use by IDVAs both at the Women’s Safety Unit in Cardiff and the ASSIST advocacy service in Glasgow.  CAADA has added a ‘don’t know’ option as there is a risk of ticking ‘no’ when information is not known, which might be incorrect and give a false low risk level.  The levels of risk are useful in clarifying the different response that a service will offer to a client depending on the severity of their situation.

Health Warning

IDVAs must be aware that this is a risk indicator checklist and not a full risk assessment.  It is a practical tool that can help you to identify which of your clients should be referred to MARAC and where you should be prioritizing the use of your resources.  Risk is dynamic and IDVAs need to be alert to the fact that risk can change very suddenly.

Risk indication is more about balancing information with current practice, knowledge and previous experience and then making a judgement about whether there is a strong possibility that a person is at risk of serious harm.[1]

An Evaluation of South Yorkshire's Specialist Domestic Violence Court Initiative (SDVC)

Sheffield Hallam University was commissioned to undertake an evaluation of South Yorkshire's Specialist Domestic Violence Court Initiative. If you would like to download the Evaluation please click on the following link.  SDVC Evaluation