MARAC Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference MARAC Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference Domestic Abuse Suzanne Hughes Detective Sergeant Public Protection Unit, Swansea. SouthWales Police. Tel E mail wales.pnn.police.uk Eirian Evans Team Manager South Wales Probation, Cardiff. Tel E mail – wales.probation.gsi.gov.uk

WHAT IS DOMESTIC ABUSE? Defined as ……… “Any incident of violence or aggression, wherever and whenever it occurs. The Abuse may include PHYSICAL, SEXUAL, EMOTIONAL or FINANCIAL ABUSE of an individual by a family member, partner or ex-partner, in an existing or previous relationship, regardless of gender, culture or sexual orientation.”

National/International Research Almost 50% of murders in the UK are Domestic related. Every 3 days in the UK a woman is killed as a result of Domestic Abuse. 1 in 4 women is, or has been, a victim of Domestic Abuse in their lifetime. 1 in 4 women who commit suicide, do so as a result of suffering Domestic Abuse. 1 in 6 men has reported being physically assaulted by a current or former partner.

The extent of Domestic Abuse A victim is physically abused approximately 35 times before they report it to any agency. Every minute in the UK, police receive a call from the public in relation to Domestic Abuse. In 1999 it was estimated that over 6.6 million people were victims of domestic Abuse.

South Wales Sharing of Information Protocol Police Social Services NHS Trust Local Health Boards National Probation Service

RISK ASSESSMENT FACTORS 1. Does partner/ex partner have a criminal record?Yes No If Yes, tick box if domestic abuse related?Yes No 2. Has current incident resulted in injuries? Yes No If Yes, does this cause significant concern? Yes No 3. Has the incident involved the use of weapons?Yes No If Yes, does this cause significant concern. Yes No 4. Is assailant experiencing financial problems?Yes No 5. Does the assailant have problems with alcohol/drugs/m.healthYes No 6. Is the Victim pregnant? Yes No 7. Has the assailant expressed/behaved in a jealous or displayed controlling ways?Yes No If Yes, does this cause significant concern? Yes No 8. Has there been/going to be a relationship separation?Yes No

RISK ASSESSMENT FACTORS (continued) 9. Is there any conflict over child contact?Yes No 10. Has partner/ex partner ever threatened to kill anybody?Yes No If Yes, does this cause significant concern? Yes No 11. Has partner/ex partner attempted to strangle/choke? Yes No 12. Is the abuse becoming worse and/or happening more often?Yes No 13. Has partner/ex partner threatened/attempted suicide?Yes No 14. Has the assailant said or done things of a sexual nature that makes the victim feel bad or that physically hurts them?Yes No 15. How frightened is the victim? Does the victim feel isolated from family and friends? Does the victim reside in isolated area? Does the victim have suicidal thoughts relating to the abuse?Yes No 16. OFFICERS OBSERVATIONS

February 2007 – Swansea. 220 incidents reported to police 179 with risk indicators 41 without risk indicators 121 Incidents where children under 18 resided in the home 58 incidents where children under 5 resided in the home 8 incidents where victim was pregnant Risk factors identified Very high - 15 High - 40 Medium - 98 Standard - 67 Under 18 yrs. Under 5 years. Pregnant Very High – 11 Very High – 9 Very High - 2 High - 29 High – 17 High - 3 Medium - 68 Medium – 28 Medium - 3 Standard – 13 Standard – 4 Standard - 0

Intention of MARAC Share information Draw up a multi-agency action plan Reduce risks to victim/children Monitor and review

M.A.R.A.C. who attends… Police Probation Midwife Social Services Child Protection Nurse Women’s Aid NSPCC Housing B.A.W.S.O. Social Services-Child Protection Social Services-Intake and Assessment Social Services-Adult Services Education Cardiff Women’s Safety Unit Mental Health Services Substance abuse workers Any other relevant agency

DV MARACs Probation viewpoint – assists in monitoring and addressing behaviour, while ensuring best possible protection to victims.

Case Study Perpetrator had pre-cons for drugs and weapons, rumour he had a weapon. Previously served 9yrs, on licence to Probation. Never been arrested for Domestic Abuse. Called when he wanted, threatened victim and teenage children, hit and sexually assaulted victim. Mum of 3 teenagers in and out of refuge for many years, they then refuse to go into a refuge. Never made a statement to police, always too scared. Felt threatened by Social Services, numerous case conferences. Children subsequently placed on Child Protection Register. He was always able to locate her, poses as police, social worker, etc to gain information

Actions agreed … Housing agreed to move her out of Cardiff. Video statement taken as vulnerable witness. Police arrested him on the day victim is moved New address only to be known to social services, Probation and Police DAU in that area. New address target hardened. Children referred to NSPCC.

After being re-located - Perpetrator is unable to locate them. Children doing well in school. Children taken off Child Protection Register.

Outcome - Perpetrator committed suicide. Attempts made to contact victim failed, agencies files did not reveal new address. Fact: Some people who are suicidal are also homicidal. Was a further tragedy prevented??

Initial evaluation of MARAC process Victims interviewed: 63% had not experienced further violence or abuse. No police call outs for Domestic Abuse Incidents for 66% of Victims.

Conclusion “Everyone is keen because nobody really knows how to risk assess. This is very user friendly, common sense. It’s all about getting people to know what risk is. In the past women have been given dangerous advice - hide the family allowance book, pack a spare suitcase. I’ve worked with women when hiding the passport has meant a beating that could have killed her. As a system, failure to understand risk has endangered people in the past. The system of risk assessment needs to be integrated.”

ANY QUESTIONS ??????????? ???????????