MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference)
The MARAC is a fortnightly meeting where professionals meet to share information on high risk cases of domestic abuse. Information about the risks faced by those victims, the actions needed to ensure safety, and the resources available locally are discussed and used to create a risk management plan involving all agencies. The MARAC is part of a coordinated community response to domestic abuse, incorporating representatives from statutory, community and voluntary agencies working with victims, children and alleged perpetrators.
Aims of the MARAC
The MARAC aims to:
• Share information to increase the safety, health and well-being of victims/survivors – adults and their children;
• Determine whether the alleged perpetrator poses a significant risk to any particular individual or to the general community;
• Jointly construct and implement a risk management plan that provides professional support to all those at risk and that reduces the risk of harm;
• Reduce repeat victimisation;
• Improve agency accountability; and
• Improve support for staff involved in high-risk domestic abuse cases.
Who Attends the MARAC?
Agencies represented at the Cardiff MARAC include:
The MARAC Coordinator maintains a list of the nominated representative for each agency represented at the MARAC, including a telephone number and secure email address.
How do Practitioners determine if a case is high risk?
Practitioners are required to complete a CAADA DASH Risk Indicator Checklist. The checklist should be completed with the victim as soon as possible to determine the level of risk. If the risk assessment score is 14 or more, the MARAC threshold for high risk has been met and a referral to the conference should be made. Guidance on completing the CAADA DASH RIC is available here
How do Practitioners refer to the MARAC?
Once a high risk case has been identified, the practitioner will need to complete a MARAC Referral Form. Referrals should be submitted securely (via secure email or fax) to the MARAC Coordinator.
Guidance on completing the MARAC Referral Form can be found here.
Once someone has been referred to MARAC, a leaflet for victims is available (in English or Welsh) explaining the MARAC process. Hard copies can be provided by the MARAC Coordinator on request.
What happens if the abuse continues?
The Government has said that all subsequent incidents of abuse, which occur within 12 months of the original MARAC hearing, should be re-referred to the MARAC immediately. Therefore the same process as used in the initial referral should be followed. Incidents that would constitute a re-referral include:
• Violence (to the person or property) or threats of violence;
• Where there is a pattern of stalking or harassment;
• Where rape or sexual abuse is disclosed.
How does the MARAC operate?
The MARAC is chaired by the Detective Inspector in charge of the Cardiff Public Protection Unit and is coordinated by Cardiff Women’s Aid. The MARAC meets on a fortnightly basis.
All participating agencies are signed up to the Cardiff MARAC Standard Operating Procedure.
Who to Contact
Beth Aynsley
MARAC Coordinator
Cardiff Central Police Station
Cathays Park
Cardiff
Tel: 02920 571 569
Fax: 02920 527 273
Email: Beth.Aynsley@south-wales.pnn.police.uk