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Multi-Agency work in Scotland (Safer, Sooner)

Joining the dots for an effective multi-agency response

Safer, Sooner is SafeLives Scotland’s programme of work related to the support and development of MARACs in Scotland. Funded through the Delivering Equally Safe Fund, Safer Sooner builds on previous years of Scottish Government support for MARAC development.

We believe in a risk-led response where early identification, specialist support and a strong multi-agency response are fundamental to improve safety and outcomes.

Through Safer, Sooner, we aim to improve multi-agency capability, consistency, and capacity across Scotland, making it everyone’s business to keep women and children safer, sooner.

Contact the Safer, Sooner team

I am who you are discussing at a MARAC, it is me and my children that you are keeping safe and allowing to stay in my own home and it is my perpetrator that you are holding to account. MARACs are an invaluable service in keeping people safe and alive, quite frankly I believe I am here today because of the safety measures put in place resulting from my MARAC.

AV Panel Member

Safer, Sooner project outcomes

Through this work: 

  • Victims-survivors will better understand the process they are at the centre of, so they get the right support for themselves and can help make others safer, sooner 
  • Policy makers (at local, regional, and national levels) will be supported to achieve their Equally Safe strategy with robust evidence, expert advice, and the voices of survivors 
  • MARACs will become more embedded within public protection systems, so they help achieve the best outcomes and increase safety for women and children consistently across Scotland

How to get involved 

We want to ensure that MARAC professionals in Scotland, policy makers and frontline services have access to the right support, networks, and resources. You can engage with the Safer, Sooner project in the following ways:

Join our networks

MARAC Chairs/Coordinators/Agency Representative Networks

Our national MARAC networks are peer-led spaces designed for professionals attending their local MARAC as either Chair, Coordinator or Agency Representative across Scotland.

They provide a supportive environment to:

  • Connect & explore
  • Share & discuss
  • Contribute & create
  • Reflect on MARAC practice to strengthen multiagency working.

Join the Chairs Network

Join the Coordinators Forum

Join the Agency Representative Network

Safer, Sooner Domestic Abuse Network

The Safer, Sooner Domestic Abuse Network is a national network for frontline professionals working in Scotland.

Free online networking events every 3 months.

  • Guest Speakers
  • Learning & Development
  • Networking
  • Interactive Discussions
  • Building Confidence
  • Strengthening Practice
  • Exploring key topics through a domestic abuse lens

Join the Safer, Sooner Domestic Abuse Network

Access Support

Our MARAC helpdesk provides guidance and advice for professionals looking for support with MARAC processes, challenges, and development.

Contact our helpdesk here

Use our Resources

We develop practical tools, guidance, and templates to support MARACs.

For more on what MARACs are, and operational tools, please see here

MARAC Development Support

We offer support to help MARACs strengthen their practice using the Ten Principles of an Effective MARAC as an evaluation framework. If you are interested in receiving local MARAC development support, please contact us.

 

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