Multi-agency risk assessment conference (MARAC)
Only practitioners can make a referral into MARAC
Early identification of victims at high risk of harm minimises domestic abuse repeat victimisation.
DA Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) helps to ensure that victims at high risk of harm are supported and better protected from further abuse by a coordinated effort from all agencies and organisations. Local multi-agency partners will meet to discuss the victims at highest risk of domestic abuse in the borough. Agencies will agree and undertake actions that form part of an effective safety plan for the victim and the children.
Please note that information and advice aimed at members of the public who are experiencing domestic abuse is available here Help and support for domestic or sexual abuse | Barnet Council
Why refer to MARAC?
Referring to MARAC enables timely interventions for the purpose of reducing the risk of serious harm or homicide for a victim and to increase the safety and wellbeing of victims, both adults and children.
What types of cases are discussed at MARAC?
The types of cases are:
- Highest risk cases of domestic abuse. The referral criteria for high risk are:
- Professional judgement where the professional has serious concerns about the victim’s situation;
- ‘Visible High Risk’ if you have 14 'yes' ticks in the SafeLives Domestic Abuse Stalking and Harassment (DASH) risk identification checklist including extended family abuse, for example 'honour' based abuse;
- Potential escalation is where there are a number of police callouts to the victim as a result of domestic abuse in the past 12 months. This criterion can be used to identify cases where there is not a positive identification of a majority of the risk factors on the list, but where abuse appears to be escalating and where it is appropriate to assess the situation more fully by sharing information at MARAC.
- The local threshold of 14 ticks in the DASH risk identification checklist.
- Repeat cases where there are incidents occurring within the twelve months from when the victim was first discussed at MARAC.
What do I do if I think I have a case for the MARAC?
Only practitioners can make a referral into MARAC. Please complete the MARAC referral Barnet DA MARAC Referral Form
If you would like to attend a DA MARAC meeting, please contact the MARAC Coordinator at barnet.damarac@barnet.gov.uk or email Mee.Cheuk@barnet.gov.uk
How often does MARAC meet?
The MARAC meets weekly on Wednesdays at 11.30am
Who organises the meetings?
Barnet Council organise the MARAC meetings and the deadline for referrals is Thursday, 3pm.
How do I know if the DA MARAC supports victims effectively?
After a case is discussed in MARAC, the Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) or the lead agency that supports the victim will feedback the outcome from the MARAC to the victim.
Can I refer a case to DA MARAC at short notice?
Notify your emergency referral by emailing barnet.damarac@barnet.gov.uk and the MARAC Coordinator mee.cheuk@barnet.gov.uk. In circumstances only when a victim is assessed as being 'Very High Risk', and the risk of harm is so imminent that statutory agencies have a duty of care to act at once. With such referrals, the MARAC Coordinator will contact the relevant agencies and make them fully aware of the current situation, and an emergency meeting will be set up as soon as possible.
On referring to MARAC do I need to tell the victim?
Yes, you have to seek consent from the victim when making a referral to MARAC. There are circumstances when you have to make a referral without consent. This is when you make a judgement that the risk to the victim is so high and it is not possible to carry out risk assessment with the victim but you have access to information from other sources such as the Police or supportive members whom the victim had disclosed the abuse.
Can I bring the victim to MARAC?
No, MARAC is strictly for practitioners only but the voice of the victim is represented by the allocated IDVA at the MARAC.
What other agencies attend MARAC?
Most safeguarding and domestic abuse agencies in the statutory and voluntary sectors such as the police, children’s social care, housing, education, health, IDVA services, probation, adult safeguarding, drug/alcohol services and victim support.
Is MARAC training on how to identify domestic abuse victims who are at high risk of harm available for agencies?
MARAC training is available to practitioners in all agencies from the statutory and voluntary sectors within Barnet who have responsibility for safeguarding children and adults experiencing domestic abuse.
Details about what the training includes along with the dates, times and venue information are shown on the Barnet Learning Management System (POD)
Information for MARAC representatives
For more information about your role at MARAC please visit Resources for Marac meetings | Safelives.
There is also a MARAC induction Pack to familiarise themselves with the MARAC process and expectations at the MARAC meeting. Those new to the MARAC role can arrange a meeting with the MARAC Coordinator for an induction session that lasts about 30 minutes.