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Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)

What is a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)

A Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) is a meeting where representatives from various local agencies, such as the police, health services, social care, housing, probation, and Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs), come together to share information about the highest risk domestic abuse cases.

During the meeting, they discuss all the relevant information they have about a victim and come up with a coordinated action plan to increase the victim’s safety. The main goal of MARAC is to protect the victim, but they also work to safeguard children and manage the behaviour of the perpetrator.

The idea behind MARAC is that no single agency or person can see the whole picture of a victim’s life, but each may have important insights that are crucial to their safety. The victim does not attend the meeting but is represented by an IDVA who speaks on their behalf.

The aims of MARAC are to:

  • Safeguard the victims of domestic abuse
  • Manage perpetrator behaviour
  • Protect professionals involved

  • Connect with all other safeguarding processes

How does a MARAC work?

Each agency has a representative who prepares for and attends the meeting. During the meeting, professionals agree on actions to take. Every victim discussed at MARAC is represented by an IDVA.

Identifying High Risk:

There are clear indicators of serious harm risk, which could happen at any time and have serious consequences. Serious harm is defined as a risk that is life-threatening or traumatic, making recovery difficult or impossible.

  • Visible High Risk: If there are 14 or more ‘yes’ responses to the questions on the DASH – RIC, a referral to MARAC should be made
  • Escalation of Abuse: Increasing severity or frequency of abuse
  • Repeat Cases: Cases where abuse has occurred multiple times
  • Professional Judgement: If a professional has serious concerns about a victim’s safety, they should refer the case to MARAC. This can include situations where the victim is unable to disclose information due to fear, cultural barriers, immigration issues, or language barriers, especially in cases of “honour-based abuse.” This judgement is based on the professional’s experience and the victim’s perception of their risk of significant harm or homicide (remember to provide supporting rationale)

Further information:

For further information on MARAC follow the link to  the SafeLives website. 

MARAC contact details: 

Oxford City and Oxfordshire North (West Oxfordshire and Cherwell)

South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse: