United approach to tackling domestic abuse

Date: 
Friday, 10 March, 2017

 

A new process is being developed in East Dunbartonshire to deal with high-risk cases of domestic abuse.

The Community Planning Partnership is establishing Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferencing (MARAC) following a proposal from Empowered (Violence Against Women Partnership).

A MARAC is a regular, local meeting where information is shared on the highest-risk cases of domestic abuse - involving a variety of statutory and voluntary sector agencies, such as East Dunbartonshire Council.

During the meeting, information is shared about the current risks, enabling representatives to identify options to increase the safety of the victim and any other vulnerable parties, such as children.

The group then creates one multi-agency safety plan to address the identified risks and increase the safety and wellbeing of victims and potential victims.

A MARAC is attended by representatives from services such as Police, health, child protection, housing, criminal justice social work services, education, mental health services, substance misuse services and other specialists who may be engaged with a victim or perpetrator of domestic abuse. An Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate also attends in order to represent the victim’s views.

Councillor Rhondda Geekie, Chair of the CPP Board and Leader of the Council, has been a long-term supporter of the MARAC process.

She said, "At the heart of MARAC is the understanding that no single agency or individual can see the complete picture of the life of a victim to be able to identify and manage the risks, but all may have different insights that are crucial to their safety.

"The aim is to reduce repeat victimisation, reduce risk to victims and others, including children, and address the behaviour of the perpetrator more effectively.

"I am pleased we have been able to move forward with the development of a MARAC process in East Dunbartonshire. It is vital that agencies work together to reduce risk and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all."

The photo shows: the Chair of the Community Planning Partnership Board and member of Violence Against Women Partnership - Cllr Rhondda Geekie; the Chair of the Violence Against Women Partnership; and representatives from East Dunbartonshire Women's Aid, Police Scotland and East Dunbartonshire Council.

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