MARAC: Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference

Learn about multi-agency risk assessment conferences, what they are for, who attends them and how they help safeguard survivors of domestic abuse.

MARAC: Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference

A MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) is a confidential meeting where professionals come together to share information about the highest risk cases of domestic abuse.

There are 270 MARACs across the UK, and they include representatives from different services like the police, health professionals, child protection, housing, probation, Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs), and other experts from statutory and voluntary sectors.

The main goal is to combine professional knowledge and create a plan to keep the survivor safe. The meeting also prioritises the safety of any children involved.

At the meeting, professionals

Share any information they have about the victim’s situation
Discuss ways to improve the victim’s safety
Create a coordinated plan to protect the victim

If the survivor is accessing domestic abuse support, they can be represented by an IDVA who can speak on their behalf. The survivor does not attend the MARAC meeting.

How to refer to MARAC

Referrals are usually made after a professional carries out a risk assessment and identifies a survivor as being at high risk of harm.

It’s important to keep survivors informed about MARAC and where possible, work together to get the most up to date information. If the survivor doesn’t want a MARAC referral, professionals need to assess the risks and decide if sharing information is necessary to keep them safe.

There are 3 separate MARACs in Nottinghamshire and DASH RICS should be emailed to the appropriate one. All 3 MARACs hear cases involving people of any gender, including LGBTQ+ individuals.

To use secure email addresses your organisation needs to have CJSM – a safe alternative to regular email, fax and post. It’s free of charge to organisations working within the Criminal Justice System.
To use non-secure email please password protect your DASH RIC.

Nottingham City