NYSCP

MARAC and MATAC Domestic Abuse Meetings

Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)

Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences are recognised nationally as best practice for identifying and managing “high risk” cases of domestic abuse where the victim is at risk of serious harm or homicide.

Purpose: The primary goals of the meeting are to share information between agencies and to create a safety plan in order to increase the safety and well-being of any adult or child victims to reduce the likelihood of repeat victimisation.

Referrals: Any agency can refer a domestic abuse victim to a MARAC. A MARAC Referral Form should be completed and sent to the MARAC Coordinator, along with background information, an initial assessment and a completed Risk Indicator Checklist. To establish the level of risk, agencies may use professional judgement, high risk indicators (14 ticks in the ‘yes’ boxes on the Risk Indicator Checklist), or risk of potential escalation, (number of police callouts.)

Process:

Case Identification: High-risk cases are identified through risk assessments, such as the Risk Indicator Checklist (SafeLives, formerly CAADA DASH).
Information Sharing: Agencies share information about the risk of serious harm or homicide for people experiencing domestic abuse.
Action Planning: Develop multi-agency safety plans to support those most at risk. Immediate actions should not be delayed until the MARAC meeting.
Confidentiality: The Case Summary List is shared one week in advance of the meeting with core MARAC agencies and other relevant agencies. All agencies must sign a confidentiality agreement.

Meetings: In North Yorkshire and York, MARAC conferences are held virtually using Microsoft Teams and chaired by North Yorkshire Police Safeguarding Managers or Police Inspectors.

Meetings are held weekly for Harrogate/Craven, Scarborough/Ryedale, Hambleton/Richmondshire, Selby, and twice weekly for York.

Where agencies need to respond immediately to ensure the safety of the victim and their children, actions should not be delayed until the case is discussed at the MARAC.

All agencies should refer to their individual agency procedures and the North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership website NYSCP.

Multi-Agency Tasking and Coordination, (MATAC)

Focus: Multi-Agency Tasking and Coordination meetings target offender behaviour with the aim of reducing reoffending.

Purpose: MATAC aims to prevent and disrupt domestic abuse by targeting the most harmful and serial perpetrators.

Process:

Offender Identification: Perpetrators are identified through data analysis and referrals.
Tasking and Coordination: Agencies collaborate to engage, challenge, and manage offenders. This can include support, prevention, diversion, disruption, and enforcement measures.