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Agencies join forces to support victims of domestic violence

Posted on 12/03/2008
J. Milton

Victims of domestic violence and their families who are most at risk of serious harm are to be helped by increased partnership working in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs) are to be held monthly to identify and share information about those women and men who are believed to be in the most danger. Interventions and individual support plans will then be put in place to help manage and reduce the risks to the victim and any children involved.

Each MARAC will be attended by representatives from agencies such as the police, probation service, NHS, social services, housing and education. There will also be people there whose job it is to represent the voice of the victim. This can be a support service or one of the new Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs), who only work with high risk victims of domestic violence. Depending on the individual case, other agencies such as CAFCASS, local drug and alcohol support services and specialist projects supporting those from black and ethnic minority communities may also attend.

Interventions can include a prompt arrest and police investigation, as well as measures such as installing an alarm, strengthening locks and windows, getting help with money or benefit problems, home help for people who are struggling or in some cases a change of address or refuge provision.

Leicestershire Constabularys Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator, Detective Sergeant Pete Williams, said: "This is a real step forward both in terms of multi-agency working and protecting victims. We will deal with the highest risk cases where immediate intervention is needed to stop repeat victimisation and increase the safety and well-being of the victim and their family.

"It is important to point out that the Independent Domestic Violence Advisors that will support the MARAC are truly independent and intended to be the ‘voice of the victim. They will be the link to the agencies that can help and will represent the thoughts and wishes of the victim so that they are not overlooked. The well-being of the victim will be at the heart of everything the MARAC implements."

The first MARAC for Leicestershire and Rutland will be held on Wednesday March 12, with the City version launching in April.

Stephanie McBurney, Co-ordinator for the Leicester Domestic Violence Forum Partnership, said: "This is a great new resource that will help us to improve safety quickly, with a lead contact for those high risk victims, a better sense of whos doing what and an avenue to follow if its not achieved. Its an exciting time where big pieces of work to improve our response to domestic violence are coming together."

Lucy Hodge, Domestic Violence Reduction Co-ordinator for Leicestershire County Council, said: "The MARAC provides an excellent mechanism to bring together information held by the many agencies in the County to provide comprehensive support to victims, particularly those in rural areas."

Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of sexuality, gender, age or ethnicity. If you are concerned about someone who may be experiencing or perpetrating domestic violence, or are a victim yourself, please contact the following numbers for information and support.

The Domestic Violence Integrated Response Project (DVIRP) - 0116 255 0004

Leicestershire Constabulary - 0116 222 2222 (in an emergency dial 999)

National Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hours) - 0808 2000 247

Crimestoppers - information can be provided anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.