{"id":32259,"date":"2020-11-27T11:05:29","date_gmt":"2020-11-27T15:05:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mrisoftware.com\/uk\/?p=32259"},"modified":"2026-02-10T10:55:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T14:55:33","slug":"the-role-of-maracs-in-tackling-domestic-abuse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mrisoftware.com\/uk\/blog\/the-role-of-maracs-in-tackling-domestic-abuse\/","title":{"rendered":"The role of MARACs in tackling domestic abuse"},"content":{"rendered":"

Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences, or MARACs are a well-established approach for creating pathways for the victims of domestic abuse in the UK at risk of serious harm. As the name suggests, these involve multiple agencies coming together and in some cases, housing providers will be invited to be part of the MARAC process. Their presence can ensure that action is taken to safeguard the victim and any children in a home against violence and abuse. The uniquely close and long-term relationship many housing providers have with their customers means that their insights and records have the potential to save lives.<\/strong><\/p>\n

MARACs were first set up In Cardiff in 2003 in response to a safeguarding environment where sharing information and co-operation amongst agencies was minimal. Developed by the UK domestic abuse charity, SafeLives<\/a> In the wake of some shocking cases of domestic homicide, domestic abuse and violence, sexual violence, stalking and harassment, MARACs were set up to reduce the risk of harm to victims. So effective was the work in Cardiff, that MARACs were rolled out across the whole of the UK in 2007 and the majority now meet on at least a fortnightly basis.<\/p>\n

The central presumption of a MARAC is that for one agency alone it is impossible to build a full picture of the experience of a victim. A cross-agency group working together engaging in open and transparent information sharing will have insights that could save a life. As domestic abuse occurs largely behind closed doors, it can take visits to A&E, police reports of disturbances or housing association repair logs to build a clear idea of a victim\u2019s experience.<\/p>\n

Domestic abuse is often a gendered crime<\/a>, disproportionally affecting women and girls. However, the impact of the abuse has effects beyond the experience of the victim and any family members in residence; it also has far-reaching impacts on wider community safety. Beyond this, a high-risk domestic abuse case costs on average up to \u00a320,000<\/a> of public money when pooling the efforts of multiple agencies; the emotional and financial costs of this crime are high<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How does a MARAC work?<\/h3>\n

MARACs are led by a police MARAC coordinator and held fortnightly. MARAC meetings assess multiple high-risk cases of domestic abuse in one sitting to consider risk identification and action planning. The victims do not attend; in their stead an IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor) will attend to vouch for their best interests. Other agencies that might be present are the police, mental health services, housing, homelessness teams, probation, children\u2019s social care and related voluntary organisations.<\/p>\n

The duty of a MARAC is to determine the level of risk and identify the services and organisations that will provide the right support and the actions they will take going forward within a clearly defined timeline. This may manifest as identifying the types of abuse being experienced, such as violence, sexual abuse, economic abuse or coercion and control. Specialist help can also be designated by identifying whether there are other outlying factors that might need attention, such as drug and alcohol abuse, an LBGTQI+ victim or faith-based abuse, such as the risk of honour-based killings and forced marriage.<\/p>\n

What is the purpose of a MARAC?<\/h3>\n