MARAC is a confidential meeting where local agencies share information to help improve the safety, health and wellbeing of people experiencing domestic abuse, as well as any children connected to the case.
Through MARAC, professionals combine up-to-date risk information, specialist knowledge and available resources to agree a shared action plan. This plan helps identify the right interventions and support to reduce the risk of further harm.
Who should be referred to MARAC? #
MARAC referrals are for cases identified as high risk. High risk means there are clear and identifiable indicators that serious harm could happen at any time.
Serious harm means harm that is life-threatening or traumatic, and where recovery — physically or psychologically — may be difficult or impossible.
How referrals are assessed #
Referrals are based on a thorough assessment of perceived risk. This includes professional judgement, escalation of incidents, the likely escalation of harm and the DASH Risk Assessment Checklist.
The current threshold is 14 or more positive responses on the DASH checklist. However, professional judgement and wider risk factors should also be considered, so a case may still be referred to MARAC with a score below 14.
How to make a referral #
Professionals should complete the current professionals-only MARAC referral form and send it to Plymouth.MARAC@firstlight.org.uk.
- The referral should clearly explain why the case has been identified as high risk and what support or action is being requested from MARAC.
- Once the referral has been received, confirmation will be sent within 5 working days, along with the date the case will be heard.
- The referring agency is required to attend the MARAC meeting to present the case. If this is not possible, details of the agency representative attending on their behalf should be provided. The representative must have up-to-date information to present at the meeting.
You can download the referral form here
Important information #
MARAC does not replace work that needs to be completed by individual agencies. It is designed to strengthen existing safeguarding arrangements, not replace them.
MARAC does not hold or own the risk associated with a case. Responsibility remains with the relevant agencies, in line with the scope of their services. Agencies that identify a MARAC case should take immediate safeguarding action where needed and should not wait for the MARAC meeting before putting safety measures in place.
