Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)

The risk assessment process, MARAC procedures (including referral) and standards for operating MARAC meetings have been developed by Coordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse (CAADA), a national organisation supported by the Home Office.

In a single meeting the MARAC combines up to date risk information with a timely assessment of a victim’s needs and links those directly to the provision of appropriate services for all those involved in a domestic violence case:- victim, children perpetrator and agency workers.

At a MARAC meeting high risk cases are discussed with a very brief and focused information sharing process. This is followed by the creation of an individualised multi-agency action plan which is put into place to support the victim and to make links with other public protection procedures, particularly those that manage perpetrators and safeguard children and vulnerable adults. Issues relating to children such as conflict over child contact, pregnancy and perception of harm to children are key indicators of risk in the CAADA risk assessment process. Thus a substantial number of victims who become MARAC cases have children (although many do not).