When a DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking, and Honour-Based Violence) risk assessment identifies a case as high risk, it signifies a clear and imminent danger of serious harm or fatality to the victim. High-risk cases are treated with the utmost urgency and are escalated to a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) for a coordinated response to ensure the safety of the victim and any children involved. Here’s a detailed explanation of the process:

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What Is a MARAC?

A Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) is a confidential meeting where representatives from various agencies come together to discuss the safety of a victim who is at high risk of domestic abuse.

• Purpose:
  • To create a comprehensive safety plan for the victim.
  • To reduce the risk of further harm or homicide.
  • To coordinate the efforts of multiple agencies to protect the victim and hold the perpetrator accountable.
• Participants: Representatives typically include:
  • Police
  • Social services
  • Health professionals (e.g., GPs, mental health workers)
  • Domestic abuse specialists (e.g., Independent Domestic Violence Advisors, or IDVAs)
  • Housing officers
  • Probation officers
  • Children’s services (if children are involved)

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Key Steps in High-Risk Case Escalation

1. Identification of High Risk:
   • A victim’s responses to the DASH checklist reveal factors associated with serious harm or homicide.
   • Key indicators may include:
     • Escalating violence or severity of abuse.
     • Strangulation or choking (a known indicator of high lethality).
     • Access to weapons by the abuser.
     • Coercive control, isolation, or stalking.
     • Threats to kill.
     • Previous police or hospital involvement for domestic abuse injuries.
2. Referral to MARAC:
   • Any professional who identifies a high-risk case can make a referral to the local MARAC.
   • The victim does not need to consent for the case to be referred, but their involvement is encouraged wherever possible.
3. Risk Management Planning:
   • The MARAC meeting reviews:
     • The victim’s specific circumstances.
     • The perpetrator’s behavior and history.
     • Children’s welfare, if applicable.
   • Agencies share relevant information to form a coordinated safety plan.
4. Safety Plan Development:
   • The plan is tailored to the victim’s needs and may include:
     • Installing security measures at the victim’s home (e.g., alarms, locks).
     • Providing emergency housing or relocation.
     • Assigning an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to support the victim.
     • Legal interventions, such as applying for protective orders or injunctions.
     • Monitoring the perpetrator’s movements (e.g., through probation or police).

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Why Is MARAC Critical?

MARAC ensures that all agencies are aligned and working together to safeguard the victim. It addresses the complexity of high-risk cases by:

• Centralizing Information: All involved agencies share data about the victim, perpetrator, and circumstances to ensure nothing is missed.
• Preventing Duplication: Agencies coordinate efforts rather than working in isolation.
• Creating Accountability: Each agency is assigned specific actions to support the victim and manage the perpetrator.

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Post-MARAC Monitoring

Once a case has been addressed by a MARAC:

• The safety plan is implemented, and the victim is closely monitored.
• Regular follow-ups are conducted to adapt the safety plan as needed.
• The victim’s risk level is reassessed periodically, and the case can return to MARAC if risks escalate again.

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Challenges and Victim Support

• Victims may feel overwhelmed or fearful of the escalation process. Ensuring they are supported by an IDVA or advocate is crucial.
• High-risk cases can be volatile, and victims may face increased danger during this time. This is why immediate intervention is essential.

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Impact of MARAC

Research shows that MARACs significantly improve safety outcomes for high-risk victims. Statistics indicate:

• An average 60% reduction in repeat victimization after MARAC intervention.
• Improved coordination and response time from agencies.
• Increased victim confidence in reporting abuse and seeking help.

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If you are concerned about someone at high risk, contacting local domestic abuse services or authorities can initiate a referral to MARAC. This process, while intensive, is a lifesaving step for those in the most dangerous circumstances.