According to CAADA, victims of high risk domestic abuse will receive improved support following the roll out of a new development programme for MARACs. The national launch follows a successful pilot in three regions during 2011-12.
As part of the new programme, dedicated CAADA MARAC Development Officers will provide tailored, local support to every MARAC in England and Wales. One-to-one assistance for local professionals will be given, along with performance and data analysis, guidance with self-assessment, a dedicated helpdesk and networking events. To build strategic support, the Officers will help demonstrate the value of MARACs to local strategic bodies including Police and Crime Commissioners, clinical commissioning groups, Health and Wellbeing Boards and Local Safeguarding Children and Adults Boards. CAADA will continue to provide new resources, publications and policy briefings to practitioners, as well as guiding the strategic development of MARACs across England and Wales through the UK's National MARAC Steering Group.
CAADA's Director of Services, Christine Christie, said: “We are really excited to be launching this programme on a national basis. We know that MARACs can make a huge difference to the lives of victims and their children, and that many more can be supported if MARACs have the agency representation, resources and IDVA service that they need to undertake this vital work. For this reason we're looking forward to working with local MARAC professionals to help them provide a consistent, quality response to domestic abuse in their area.”
Karen*, 41, from Bristol, suffered years of physical violence from her partner and threats to her and her children, before she was referred to MARAC by her IDVA. Agencies quickly put together a coordinated package of measures to support her to live safely in her home. “The locks were changed and a CCTV camera installed which enabled me to monitor who was coming up to the house,” says Karen. “Alarms were fitted on my windows and new toughened safety glass installed on the door. The police and health agencies flagged my file so that if ever there was an emergency, immediate help would arrive,” she says. “I also got very good support through my GP, who made sure I was on the right anti-depressants and offered me counselling.”
Three years on, Karen's life is completely changed. “My children are so happy now. They come and go as they please and we joke and laugh together a lot. We'd never have been able to do this before. I've got my freedom and my life back, and for that I'll always be so grateful.”
*To protect identities, names have been changed.
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