Annex 3. The multiagency risk assessment conference method

• Author: European Institute for Gender Equality (EU body or agency)
• Pages: 60-61

Annexes

European Institute for Gender Equality60

Annex 3. The multiagency risk assessment conference method

(137) Robinson, A. L. (2006), Reducing repeat victimisation among high-risk victims of domestic violence: the benets of a coordinated community response in

Cardi, Wales, Violence Against Women: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal, Vol. 12, No 8, pp. 761-788.

(138) Provided by Linda Rodgers, chief executive of Edinburgh Womens Aid, Scotland, November 2018.

A multiagency risk assessment conference, or

a MAR AC for short, is a method of risk manage-

ment for high-risk victims of intimate partner vio-

lence. The MAR AC method, originally developed

in Cardiff, in the United Kingdom, in 2003 (137 ),

has subsequently spread widely across the Unit-

ed Kingdom and has also been introduced in Fin-

land. The method involves several professionals

meeting together to determine the best course

of action to increase the safety of each individual

victim and their children.

The MARAC method involves three steps: risk as-

sessment and referral to a MARAC, sharing infor-

mation and drawing up a safety plan at the MA-

RAC and follow-up after the MARAC.

Risk assessment pre- MARAC

A s tandardised risk assessment form is used to

identify those victims at high risk and thus eligible

for referral to MARAC. (While victims do not often

personally attend MAR ACs, the victims consent

is required to hold a conference in mos t places.)

A safety planning exercise is carried out with the

woman immediately after the risk assessment.

Practical actions might include creating a code

word, organising a second mobile hidden in the

house, working with her on increasing her in-

ternet security, engaging other ser vices to pro-

vide support, engaging other people around the

woman to support her, organising a police mark-

er on the house and other activities, depending

on the woman s (and any childrens) needs. This

can mean that the risk has been reduced by the

time of the MARAC.

When a professional concludes, based on the risk

assessment, that the criteria are met, they will

submit the case to be handled at a MARAC. The

multiagency team participa ting in the conference

consists of professionals from several organisa-

tions, including the po lice, vic tim support servic-

es, child welfare services, housing services, and

community healthc are and medical services.

Risk management in MARAC

The purpose of the MARAC is to create an ac tion

plan to increase each individual victims safety.

A large element of the MAR AC is information

sharing, so that all agencies are aware of the con-

text in which each victim is accessing services,

helping to avoid service-generated risks.

The following are examples of actions taken by

the various members of a MARAC in response to

the risk (138).