| What is a MARAC? |
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MARAC stands for Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference. IDVA stands for Independent Domestic Violence Advisor. If someone is assessed as at Very High Risk of domestic abuse, (scoring very high on a standard risk assessment) they will be referred to the MARAC. The MARAC is a monthly meeting chaired by the police. It is intended to share information about Very High Risk clients in order to prevent homicide, develop a safety plan, put all possible support in place and lower the risk as soon as possible. The meeting is attended by any organisations which may be involved in supporting victims, or which are connected with the perpetrator. This will include representatives from the local domestic abuse unit, probation, children’s services, social services, education, health, mental health, housing, midwives and health visitors and victim support. The information shared at the meeting is confidential and is intended to be used solely to enable safety and support measures to be put in place. Discussing safety round the table in this way safeguards against gaps in the safety plan, or duplication of actions. 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 to ensure the victims safety. Actions which can come out of the MARAC include ‘Sanctuary’ – that the victim’s house is made safe, alarm installed, locks changed, etc; schools made aware in order to support the children and prevent the perpetrator arriving and removing them inappropriately, highlighting when children need extra support, support in finding alternative accommodation and advice in obtaining benefits. The IDVA’s job is to be a bridge between victims and the MARAC meeting. The IDVA will try and meet a client beforehand, or at least talk to her/him on the phone, and explain how the meeting works, what it can do for them, and what options are avaliable. The IDVA will also ask if there is anything the victim would like brought up at the meeting on her/his behalf. The first thing an IDVA will address with a client is immediate safety planning. She will also be able to advise on Legal Aid, Injunctions, child access issues, housing, debt counselling and other financial issues and any other problems which are of concern to the client. When she cannot provide direct help herself, she will signpost to other agencies.She can also advocate for the woman with other agencies by contacting them on the woman’s behalf, explaining the situation and asking them for support. After the MARAC, the IDVA will again contact the victim to inform her of any actions agreed at the meeting, and what, if any, further safety measures are to be put into place. As a rule, clients are discharged after the meeting but agencies will continue to support them when appropriate. An IDVA can write letters of support, for example if the client is applying for an injunction, or emergency housing. The IDVA will make sure that all the agreed actions are carried out and find out if the client wishes for any further support such as one of the other options offered by the Domestic Violence and Abuse Service. A SPECIAL OFFER TO ALL VISITORS OF OUR WEBSITE, OUR BOOK “SAFE” HAS BEEN REDUCED BY 50%. FOR ONLY £2.65 YOU CAN PURCHASE THIS EXCELLENT GUIDE.
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