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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 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.

Everything needs to shift so that the nature, effects and impacts can been seen, understood and shared much earlier on.

Whole Lives Scotland survivor survey

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 level) 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 Safer, Sooner in the following ways: 

Contact the Scotland team

Join our networks

Marac Chairs/Coordinators Network

The Marac Chair and Coordinator networks connects professionals who Chair or Coordinate Marac meetings across Scotland. It provides: 

  • A space to share updates from local Maracs – what’s working well, challenges and emerging patterns.
  • Peer support and the opportunity to discuss complex challenges and best practices.  
  • Share resources, knowledge, and experience.  
  • A forum to contribute to national discussions about Marac.
Join the Chairs Network
Join the Coordinators Forum

Safer, Sooner Domestic Abuse Network  

The Safer, Sooner Domestic Abuse Network is a dedicated space for frontline professionals from across Scotland to connect, learn and collaborate. 

We host quarterly online events, each structured around a specific theme relevant to the sector.  

Guest speakers share expertise, and attendees can contribute to national discussions. 

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. 

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.  

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