What MARAC is
MARAC is a meeting for professionals where information is shared about the highest-risk domestic abuse cases. Representatives include:
- local police
- health
- child protection
- housing practitioners
- Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs)
- other specialists from the statutory and voluntary sectors
Representatives discuss options for increasing the safety of the victim and turn these into an action plan.
Information shared at the MARAC is confidential and only used to reduce the risk of harm to those at risk.
The victim does not attend the meeting but is represented by an IDVA or another support service who speaks on their behalf.
Who is referred
A victim should be referred to the MARAC if they meet all the following criteria. They
- are at considerable risk of domestic violence from their adult partner, ex-partner, or family member
- are an adult over 16 years old
- live in Camden
Referrals are made regardless of gender or sexuality.
Consent to refer
If safe to do so, make the victim/survivor aware of the MARAC referral and ask for their consent to refer to a support service for domestic abuse. Consent of the victim or survivor is preferred but not compulsory for a MARAC referral to be made.
The perpetrator of abuse should not be informed of the MARAC referral.
How to make a referral
Complete the MARAC referral form and email it to [email protected]
The completed form will be forwarded to an appropriate support service for the victim/survivor.
What happens next
After a referral has been received, the MARAC coordinator will respond to the referral within 24 to 48 hours. They will:
- let them know when the case will be heard at MARAC
- let them know the IDVA service that will provide support
- copy in their MARAC rep, if they have one, to make them aware of the referral
If the referrer has a MARAC rep, they will present the case at the meeting and provide feedback afterward. If the referrer is from an agency not signed up to MARAC, then they will be invited as a guest
It’s important to remember that the MARAC itself is not an agency and does not have a case management function.
Individual agencies are responsible for taking appropriate action after the MARAC referral. This includes referring the victim to safeguarding and support services.