Are you a professional concerned about an adult who is possibly a victim of domestic abuse, stalking or harassment?
If you are concerned about an adult (aged 16+) who is a victim of domestic abuse, stalking or harassment please complete the Risk Identification Checklist (Safelives DASH RIC) which will identify the level of risk and to which support service the client should be referred. You should also follow the advice on the MARAC (below) for all levels of risk.
If you need guidance in completing the checklist, please see the SafeLives website for support or find out more using the links below:
- An introduction to risk identification in domestic abuse cases (youtube.com)
- Dash risk checklist quick start guidance FINAL.pdf (safelives.org.uk)
- Resources for identifying the risk victims face | Safelives
What is a MARAC and when should I make a referral?
A Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) is a regular local meeting to discuss how to help and support victims at high risk of murder or serious harm, mitigate risks and manage and address the behaviour of those that cause harm. Named representatives from the domestic abuse services (IDVA), police, children’s social services, adult social care, housing, health and other relevant agencies all sit around the same table in a confidential meeting. They talk about the victim, the family and the person causing harm, and share information in order to develop an effective plan.
They work best when everyone involved understands their roles and the right processes to follow. It is important that you familiarise yourself with MARAC if you are going to refer into the process or if you are going to be involved as a MARAC representative. All guidance can be found here: Marac resources and guidance – SafeLives
The MARAC information sharing is agreed to by all relevant organisations in Devon. The “agreement for the sharing of information on incidents of domestic abuse, sexual assaults and sexual violence in Devon and Cornwall between statutory authorities, housing providers, voluntary and charitable agencies” is the Information Sharing Agreement that ensures and evidences appropriate information governance in respect of MARAC.
There are 4 MARACs in Devon: Exeter MARAC, East and Mid Devon MARAC, Northern Devon MARAC, and South and West Devon MARAC.
In Devon we make use of a Risk Identification Checklist developed by SafeLives called the DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and ‘Honour’-based Violence) RIC (Risk Identification Checklist).
Devon uses the SafeLives MARAC referral criteria and you can find more information about this here: Marac-Referral-Criteria.doc (live.com)
A note on Professional judgement:
There may be instances where a professional feels that the score alone does not truly reflect the level of risk for the victim and their children. Professional judgement should be considered as part of the referral process and clearly articulated through this to the local MARAC.
Guidance for Devon’s Risk Referral and Risk Management Pathways
Standard Risk:
While risk indicators may be present, it is deemed neither imminent, nor serious. Professional judgement and/or the number of “ticks” on this checklist. If you have ticked 0 – 5 “yes” boxes the case would currently meet the “Standard Risk” criteria.
Next step…
Explain that nobody needs to live with domestic violence and abuse and that there is support available. It is important to remember that risk is dynamic and should be monitored. It is also important to stress that the police can and should be contacted in an emergency.
Make a referral…
With the person’s consent, you can refer them to Victim Support by using the Victim Support Local Referral Form and secure email address or encourage them to self-refer by calling 0845 3030 900.
Medium Risk:
There are identifiable features of risk or serious harm. Professional judgement and/or the number of “ticks” on this checklist. If you have ticked 6 – 13 “yes” boxes the case would currently meet the “Medium Risk” criteria.
Next step…
Explain that nobody needs to live with domestic violence and abuse and that there is support out there. It is important to remember that risk is dynamic and should be monitored. It is also important to stress that the police can and should be contacted in an emergency.
Make a referral…
To make a referral:
Referrals for support can be made directly through the website of the Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance (DDAA). For agencies referring clients, informed consent needs to be secured, and a Risk Assessment completed. Dash risk checklist quick start guidance (safelives.org.uk). The completed Risk Assessment then needs to be attached to the referral form.
For clients who wish to refer themselves they can make a referral directly through the same website (www.ddaa.org.uk) or individuals can contact the team directly on freephone 0808 281 6161 or e-mail hello@ddaa.org.uk.
Please note that as per SafeLives guidance, there may be instances where a score of 10-13 with professional judgement may be still considered high risk (for example where other vulnerabilities are identified that are not captured through the DASH). In these instances, the professional judgement should be clearly articulated and the “high risk” pathway followed.
High Risk:
There is imminent risk of serious harm. The Home Office definition of serious harm is “A risk which is life threatening and/or traumatic, and from which recovery, whether physical or psychological, can be expected to be difficult or impossible.” If you have ticked 14 or more “yes” boxes the case would currently meet the MARAC referral criteria. The potential event is more likely than not to happen imminently and the impact could be serious. There is most likely a need for immediate intervention.
Next step…
After discussion with your line manager/ safeguarding colleagues, it may be necessary to notify the Police and/or Children and Young People’s Services immediately. This may be a necessary step even without the consent of the victim. It is also important to stress that the police can and should be contacted in an emergency. Hand out appropriate contact numbers for your area and ask the person to keep you informed about their safety.
Make a referral…
When any agency assesses risk as “High”, an immediate referral to MARAC is normally required, with or without consent. Whilst it is best practice wherever possible to obtain the victim”s consent to make a referral to MARAC, it is not always safe or possible to do so.
Please complete the MARAC Referral Form using the new guidance to do so and send to the appropriate MARAC in your locality.
This form needs to be completed for every high risk domestic abuse case whether there are children affected or not. If there are children in the household and the risk is high, an assumption needs to be made that the risk is also high for the children involved. Therefore, you will need to also follow the “request for support” pathway for the Children Front Door: DCC – Request for support (outsystemsenterprise.com)
Please note: MARAC referrals should be sent by secure email (encrypted) or other secure method to the relevant MARAC for the area where the victim resides (see The 4 MARACs in Devon – how to contact)
No form of post, registered or otherwise, is considered secure anymore for sharing personal information.
The 4 MARACs in Devon – how to contact
East and Mid Devon
- 01392 281531
- daueem@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
Exeter
- 01392 281531
- marachawkinshouse@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
North Devon and Torridge
- 01271 335380
- Devonbcudaonorth@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
South Devon Rural (South Hams, Teignbridge, West Devon)
- 01803 218766
- devonbcudaosouth@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk