MARAC
Related guidance
MARAC is a multi-agency information sharing meeting for those victims who have been identified by local partner agencies as being high risk victims of domestic abuse. It works on the basis that the initial safeguarding has already taken place and that all agencies that need to be involved already are.
The MARAC is an opportunity for all agencies to share information which might identify further risk to the victim, develop a multi agency action plan to address any outstanding risks, with timescales, leads for all partners to be aware of activity.
The following agencies are represented:-
- Children's Social Care;
- Adult Social Care;
- Police;
- Probation;
- Health: Community Health Safeguarding Team and Primary Care; ICB (Commissioners of local healthcare services);
- Local Hospital;
- Education;
- Housing;
- Victim Support;
- IDVA Service.
The Greater Manchester MARAC Operating Process can be accessed here (see MARAC Operating Protocol).
Referrals to MARAC can be made by any agency using the Appendix 1: Greater Manchester MARAC Referral Form. Referral forms should be uploaded to the relevant SharePoint site.
MARACs are usually held every two weeks but this can vary.
Following the meeting, the Action Plan will be uploaded to SharePoint. This summarises the current risks and sets out the actions that have been volunteered by each agency present to address those risks.
Enquiries about the local MARAC process should be sent to the relevant Greater Manchester Police Case Management Team:
|
District |
Contact numbers |
Email address |
|---|---|---|
|
COM NORTH |
0161 856 3097 or 0161 856 3707 |
|
|
COM SOUTH |
0161 856 4856 or 0161 856 8966 |
|
|
COM CENTRAL |
0161 856 4444 or 0161 856 4414 |
|
|
STOCKPORT |
0161 8563187 or 0161 856 9747 |
|
|
SALFORD |
0161 856 4479 or 0161 856 1971 |
|
|
TRAFFORD |
0161 856 7574 or 0161 856 7555 |
|
|
TAMESIDE |
0161 856 9228 or 0161 856 9363 |
|
|
OLDHAM |
0161 856 9048 or 0161 856 8962 |
|
|
ROCHDALE |
0161 8568757 or 0161 856 3168 |
|
|
WIGAN |
0161 8567955 or 0161 856 4101 |
|
|
BOLTON |
0161 856 5588 or 0161 856 7948 |
|
|
BURY |
0161 856 8060 or 0161 866 8160 |
Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) were implemented across England and Wales in March 2014.
They provide protection to victims by enabling the police and magistrates to put in place protection in the immediate aftermath of a domestic violence incident.
With DVPOs, a perpetrator can be banned with immediate effect from returning to a residence and from having contact with the victim for up to 28 days, allowing the victim time to consider their options and get the support they need.
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) (also known as 'Clare's Law') commenced in England and Wales in March 2014. The DVDS gives members of the public a formal mechanism to make enquires about an individual who they are in a relationship with, or who is in a relationship with someone they know, where there is a concern that the individual may be violent towards their partner. This scheme adds a further dimension to the information sharing about children where there are concerns that domestic violence and abuse is impacting on the care and welfare of the children in the family.
Members of the public can make an application for a disclosure, known as the 'right to ask'. Anybody can make an enquiry, but information will only be given to someone at risk or a person in a position to safeguard the victim. The scheme is for anyone in an intimate relationship regardless of gender.
Partner agencies can also request disclosure is made of an offender's past history where it is believed someone is at risk of harm. This is known as 'right to know'.
If a potentially violent individual is identified as having convictions for violent offences, or information is held about their behaviour which reasonably leads the police and other agencies to believe they pose a risk of harm to their partner, the police will consider disclosing the information. A disclosure can be made if it is legal, proportionate and necessary to do so.
Financial independence can be a crucial factor in helping victims make the decision to leave an abusive situation. Victims should be advised to seek a consultation with a Welfare Rights Officer regarding their financial position should they leave.
In a crisis, when there is delay in accessing DSS benefits, help under Section 17 should be considered to help the decision process.
For some, their immigration status will be unclear and will affect their right to benefit. These victims will therefore require additional help including legal advice.
Bolton Domestic Abuse Handbook - provides additional local guidance to practitioners responding to Domestic Abuse and Violence.
Last Updated: January 8, 2024
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