MARAC: Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conference
A MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) is a confidential meeting where professionals share information about the highest-risk cases of domestic abuse. The information on this page will help professionals navigate the MARAC referral process and supporting documentation.
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For more resources or tools to support survivors experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.
Professional Training
Equation provide free training on the MARAC process to build skills and confidence when working with survivors.
The aim of the MARAC meeting
The MARAC aim is to combine what each agency knows and build a coordinated plan to keep the survivor safe. The meeting also considers the safety of any children involved.
At the meeting, professionals:
- Share the information they hold about the survivor’s situation
- Discuss ways to improve the survivor’s safety
- Agree a coordinated plan to protect the survivor
If the survivor is already getting domestic abuse support, an IDVA can represent them and speak on their behalf. The survivor does not attend the MARAC meeting themselves.
MARACs hear cases involving people of any gender, including LGBTQ+ people.
How to refer to MARAC
Referrals are usually made after a professional has carried out a risk assessment and identified that a survivor is at high risk of harm.
Keep survivors informed about the MARAC process wherever possible, and work together to get the most up-to-date picture of their situation. If a survivor does not want a MARAC referral made, professionals should still assess the risk and decide whether sharing information is necessary to keep them safe.
There are three separate MARACs in Nottinghamshire. Send your DASH RIC (Risk Identification Checklist) to the appropriate one for your area.
Some MARAC email addresses use CJSM, a secure service for sharing sensitive information. When sending a DASH RIC or other confidential information, please use your organisation’s secure email system and follow your usual information-sharing procedures. If you’re unsure how to send information securely, please contact the relevant MARAC team for advice.
- Nottingham City
Email dacitymash@nottinghamcity.gov.uk - North Nottinghamshire
Email maracadmin.north@nottswa.cjsm.net or northnottinghamshiremarac@nottswa.org - South Nottinghamshire
Email: juno.referrals@wais.cjsm.net or countymaracadmin@junowomensaid.org.uk
Download MARAC referral forms and guidance
Nottingham city MARAC and DASH-RIC awareness training
“Just talking to someone helped me feel less alone and understand what my next steps could be. It gave me hope and a sense of control over my situation.”
Training Delegate 2026
Professional training and briefings
Understanding & Responding to Domestic Violence & Abuse – F2F – County
26/01/27
£0-£35
Working with Men Experiencing Domestic Abuse (County) – Online
11/03/27
£0-£35
Working with Children Impacted by Domestic Abuse – Remote – City
11/03/27
£0-£35
Technology & Economic Abuse: “One of the Greatest Forms of Control” -County
03/03/27
£0-£35
Recognising Perpetrators of Domestic Abuse: Understanding & Theory (Online)
03/11/26
£0-£35
Related resources
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some of the questions professionals most commonly ask about MARAC. If you are new to the process, these cover the essentials. If you are more experienced, they are a useful reference point. For anything not covered here, contact your local MARAC coordinator.
Who can refer a case to MARAC?
Any agency can make a referral — this includes the police, health professionals, housing officers, social workers, and voluntary sector services such as domestic abuse organisations. You do not need to be a specialist domestic abuse service to refer. What matters is that you have completed a risk assessment, usually using the DASH RIC (Risk Identification Checklist), and identified that the survivor is at high risk of serious harm.
Does the survivor have to consent to a MARAC referral?
Ideally, you should keep the survivor informed and involved wherever possible. However, consent is not required for a referral to go ahead. MARAC operates under public interest and safeguarding principles, which means information can be shared without consent where there is a risk to life or serious harm. If a survivor does not want a referral made, professionals should still assess the risk and make a judgement about whether sharing information is necessary to keep them safe.
How is confidentiality managed at MARAC?
MARAC meetings are confidential. Information shared within the meeting is used only for the purpose of keeping the survivor safe and should not be disclosed beyond that. All agencies attending are bound by their own information sharing policies and data protection obligations. Where possible, referrals should be sent by secure email using CJSM (Criminal Justice Secure Mail). If you do not have access to CJSM, any documents sent by ordinary email must be password protected.
What is the threshold for a MARAC referral?
A score of 14 or more on the DASH RIC usually meets the threshold for a MARAC referral. However, a score below 14 does not automatically rule out a referral. If your professional judgement tells you the risk is high — particularly if any of the top risk indicators are present, such as escalation of abuse, stalking, pregnancy, or separation — you should still consider referring. Always use the checklist alongside your wider knowledge of the case.
What happens after a referral is made?
Once a referral is received, the case will be scheduled for the next available MARAC meeting. At the meeting, professionals from all relevant agencies share what they know about the survivor’s situation and agree a coordinated safety plan. If the survivor is receiving support from a domestic abuse service, an IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Adviser) will usually attend on their behalf and feed back the outcomes. After the meeting, each agency is responsible for carrying out the actions agreed.
What if a case has already been to MARAC before?
Cases can be referred back to MARAC if there is a new incident, an escalation in risk, or a significant change in circumstances. These are known as repeat referrals. There is no limit on the number of times a case can be heard at MARAC. If you are unsure whether a repeat referral is appropriate, contact your local MARAC coordinator for guidance. SafeLives also provides specific guidance on managing repeat cases, available via their MARAC resources hub.