Professionals’ views on MARAC research report

This report explores frontline professionals’ perspectives on Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) across England and Wales. MARACs are a vital part of the UK’s domestic abuse response, bringing together agencies to share information and plan coordinated safety measures for high-risk victims and their families.

The study analysed over 700 survey responses from professionals across 22 local areas and 17 agencies. It highlights what professionals feel is working well in current MARAC practice – such as effective information sharing, victim-centred action planning, and strong multi-agency collaboration – while also identifying systemic challenges including high caseloads, inconsistent attendance, and limited follow-up of agreed actions.

The findings emphasise the importance of embedding the victim’s voice, strengthening leadership and governance, and ensuring consistent agency training and engagement. SafeLives calls for MARACs to be placed on a statutory footing and for a national review of MARAC to assess its evolving role and ensure it remains fit for purpose in tackling domestic abuse.

What’s working well

• Information sharing – MARAC enables agencies to build a full picture of victims, children, and those using harmful behaviours, ensuring early risk identification and safeguarding.
• Victim voice – Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) ensure survivors’ voices shape safety planning.
• Multi-agency collaboration – Broad representation from a range of agencies such as police, health, housing, and social services strengthens joint decision-making.
• Leadership & coordination – Skilled Chairs and dedicated Coordinators make meetings more effective and accountable.
• Timeliness – More frequent MARAC meetings in some areas allow for quicker, more relevant interventions.
• System impact – MARAC strengthens wider professional relationships and enhances collaboration beyond the meeting itself.