About domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between anyone who has been ‘personally connected’. This includes current or ex partners, family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)

A MARAC is a meeting of professionals from different agencies who work together to protect victims of domestic abuse who are at high risk of harm. The MARAC will share information about the victim's case and develop a plan to keep them safe.

Support for victims is usually provided by an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA), who is a specialist advisor who has received training to work with high-risk victims of domestic abuse. The IDVA will help the victim to access the support they need and to develop a safety plan.

The MARAC will also work to reduce the risk of further harm to the victim and their family members. This may involve things like putting the perpetrator in touch with a domestic abuse perpetrator program or helping the victim to find a safe place to live.

Who can be referred to a MARAC?

Any victim of domestic abuse who is at high risk of harm can be referred to a MARAC. This includes victims who have been physically abused, threatened, or harassed. It also includes victims who are experiencing coercive control, which is a pattern of behaviour designed to control and dominate.

How to contact the Knowsley MARAC Team

If you are concerned that someone you know may be at high risk of domestic abuse, you can email the Knowsley MARAC Team.

If you are at immediate risk, contact the Police on 999.

Read more about Domestic Abuse here.

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