14th January 2016
As part of the team behind SafeLives’ Knowledge Hub, it’s my job to answer some of the tricky questions professionals working with victims of domestic abuse face. Recently, a few areas have been in touch about Marac-to-Marac transfers, and how to share information when it becomes known that a Marac victim has moved.
Victims and their children living with high-risk abuse can fall through the gaps when they move areas, so it’s crucial we all play our part in keeping them as safe as possible.
When we know that a victim has moved out of a Marac area it’s essential that we let the new area know and support the victim’s future risk management by supplying any relevant information – such as previous minutes and action plans. It’s also really important that Marac reps speak to their counterparts in the old area.
Receiving a case
Coordinator
If you receive a transfer from another area, you should request information such as previous minutes and action plans if they are missing. Ensure it’s made clear on the agenda where the case has been transferred from.
Chair
Check Marac representatives are liaising with their counterparts in other areas. Where gaps or issues are identified, follow local protocol to address or escalate as appropriate.
Idva
Liaise with the previous Idva and ensure an appropriate handover happens as early as possible, clarifying the current situation and risks.
Marac representatives
Liaise with your counterpart in the old area. Gather any information they might have and, where relevant, share it at the meeting.
Transferring a case
Coordinator
If you are transferring a case to another area, follow SafeLives' recommended practice - send all the relevant information you have, including previous minutes and action plans.
Chair
Ensure that the case is discussed in line with SafeLives recommended practice and transferred as appropriate.
Idva
Identify and liaise with Idva in the new area, hand the case over and ensure the new Idva is aware of the current situation and risks.
Marac representatives
Liaise with your counterpart in the new area, share all relevant information with them so that the case can be appropriately discussed at their meeting.
I’ve been at many a Marac where a transferred case cannot be fully discussed because no-one has made contact with their agency’s counterparts. I can’t stress how important this is. We are doing a disservice to victims if we are not able to share information, identify risks and action plan appropriately.
For more comprehensive guidance, take a look at our Marac-to-Marac flowchart. We’ve also prepared some answers to frequently asked questions about the Marac transfer process. And to make it really straightforward, there’s even a Marac transfer form for the referring area to use.
Whatever your role, our team of experts is here to offer help and advice on all aspects of the response to domestic abuse. We can also work with you to develop multi-agency approaches like Marac and Mash, offer advice on commissioning domestic abuse services, and support you to deliver local scrutiny panels focused on improving outcomes for families affected by domestic abuse.
To find out more and get in touch, go to safelives.org.uk/knowledgehub.
