‘How to identify and manage the risk of domestic violence’ Presented By Gudrun Burnet – Community Safety Team Leader 9 th June 2010

Introducing Risk Identification Checklist and referral to MARAC at Peabody Training for all front line staff – MARAC Level 1 Dealing with ASB reports from neighbours which could be possible Domestic Violence Understanding the complexity of Domestic Violence cases and use of Power/ Control wheel. CIVICA – ASB system – incorporation of MARAC referral form and RIC in standard template for all cases. Flagging cases in order to identify repeat victimisation Building links with MARACs across 24 London boroughs Peabody has housing stock in. Utilising advocacy services across London.

Defining the MARAC “In a single meeting, a DV Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) combines up to Date risk information with a comprehensive 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 and perpetrator” CAADA Implementation Guide

The Aims of the MARAC To share information to increase the safety, health and well being of victims – adults and their children; To determine whether the perpetrator poses a significant risk to a particular individual or community; To construct jointly and implement a risk management plan that that reduces the risk of harm; To reduce repeat victimisation; To improve agency accountability; and Improve support for staff.

The MARAC Process Well tested procedure that works effectively; The evidence shows positive outcomes, reductions in level of repeat victimisation, serious harm and homicides, can be achieved by following the process; and Basic principles include risk identification, the referral threshold, proportionate information sharing and the process itself

MARAC Partners Community Safety Unit Peabody Mental Health NHS Trust Victim Support Refuge National Probation Service MET Police Adult Social Care Drug and alcohol services HousingEducation Specialist Children’s Services CAFCASS

The MARAC Meeting and Action Planning The MARAC meeting focuses on safety Having a better picture of a high risk victim’s situation ensures that all agencies will improve their responses Actions are straightforward and volunteered by agencies Actions should be SMART Actions include:  Flagging files  Joint/separate meetings  Prioritizing cases  Legal Options  MARAC letters

The Risk Indicator Checklist (RIC) An evidence based tools that informs practitioners about a client’s circumstances and the risk of serious harm and homicide Underpins the MARAC process by identifying high risk victims and those that meet the MARAC Threshold  Professional judgement  Visible high risk (14 ticks or more)  Escalation (3 or more police call outs)

Information Sharing Sharing information is crucial to reduce the risk of harm to the highest risk clients (i.e. those meeting the MARAC threshold) Inadequate information sharing is often a common feature of domestic homicide reviews and child deaths If a victim is prepared to engage there is more that can be done It is important that practitioners can explain how to MARAC works and that a referral is because of concern’s for a victim’s safety Referring to Victim Support or Refuge might help engage a client in this process

Key Questions? Is there a MARAC in your area? How would you make a referral and to whom? Is your agency engaged with the MARAC process? What IDVA services are available?

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