Designated MARAC Officers are expected to have an understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse, of the MARAC referral and risk assessment process. You will need to first complete the Domestic Abuse Champions training, then the DASH and DMO induction training. For more information on how to become a DA Champion click here! You can also find the Oxfordshire County Council domestic abuse champions training on their website .

MARAC stands for Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference. MARACs are where representatives from all relevant agencies (e.g. police, IDVAs, housing practitioners, child protection, health etc.) discuss high risk domestic abuse cases. This is to ensure that vital information about the case is shared to all relevant professionals in order to discuss options for increasing the safety of the victim and turn these into a co-ordinated action plan. The primary focus of the MARAC is to safeguard the adult victim. The victim does not attend the meeting but is represented by an IDVA who speaks on their behalf.

DMO stands for Designated MARAC Officer. The role of a Designated MARAC Officer is to support staff in undertaking a Domestic Abuse Stalking and Harassment (DASH) Risk assessment and make referrals into the MARAC where appropriate.

FAQs Archive - Reducing the Risk

Q: What are the most common injunctions/civil orders?

An injunction/civil order is a "stay away" order, which prevents the abuser from doing certain things (e.g. contacting the victim) or enforces them to do things (e.g. to leave the home). It is possible for a court to make a number of orders where domestic abuse has occurred and the victim needs to be protected. The most common types of injunctions/civil orders used in domestic abuse cases are: Non-Molestation Orders (NMO) - this type of order will prevent the abuser from harassing, intimidating, or pestering the victim-survivor or any children who live with the victim-survivor. The abuser does not have to have been physically abusive in order to obtain this type of order. If an order is breached a criminal offence will have been committed. Occupation Orders (OO) - This type of order will establish who has a right to stay in the home. An occupation order can order an abuser to move out of the home or to keep a certain distance from the home. In order to apply for this type of order, the victim-survivor will need to know if they, or the abuser (or both), are legally entitled to occupy the property. Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPO) - please see FAQ on DVPOs Stalking Protection Orders (SPO) - these injunctions can be obtained by the police where they consider someone has been subjected to stalking. It enables the police to intervene early, upon conviction or acquittal, and even if they are not proceeding with a criminal prosecution. Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders (FGMPO) - these are designed to prevent any woman or girl at risk of FGM from being taken abroad or form even prohibiting someone from making arrangements for this to happen. Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FMPO)- these are simply to protect anyone felt to be at risk of a marriage they do not want.

Q: What is an injunction?

An injunction is a "stay away" order, which prevents the abuser from doing certain things (e.g. contacting the victim) or enforces them to do things (e.g. to leave the home). It is best to apply as soon as possible after an abusive incident and it can also help the victim's case if they are able to get medical evidence from their doctor. It may also help in supporting the victim's case to get any other people's evidence such as school/health visitors/neighbours/family/friends.

Q: How does the criminal justice pathway work?

If police have arrested someone at your home suspected of having committed a crime against you or someone else, they will need to investigate. This will mean that they speak to everyone at the house and this may be the start of a Criminal Justice Pathway. Help and support is available for you from police and local specialist services. See section below on the 4 phases of the Criminal Justice Pathway

Q: Make a referral to our Court-based IDVA Service

You can refer if you are: The victim-survivor Any professional supporting those experiencing domestic abuse A friend/family member making a referral on the victim's behalf Make your referral directly by filling in our referral form

Q: I want support for myself

Reducing the Risk IDVA service does not take direct referrals from members of the public. Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Service helps all people affected by domestic abuse, even if you are not currently in a relationship with your abuser. Their services are free and confidential. They will conduct a risk assessment and ensure that you are referred to the appropriate agency. Please contact the local Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse helpline who will be able to support you: 0800 731 0055 ADAS@a2dominion.co.uk Or visit their website

Q: How do I make a referral to the high-risk IDVA Service?

Reducing the Risk IDVA service does not take direct referrals from members of the public. Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Service helps all people affected by domestic abuse, even if you are not currently in a relationship with your abuser. Their services are free and confidential. They will conduct a risk assessment and ensure that you are referred to the appropriate agency. Please contact the local Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse helpline who will be able to support you: 0800 731 0055 ADAS@a2dominion.co.uk Or visit their website In order to refer, you need to have completed a Domestic Abuse Stalking and Harassment (DASH) Risk Assessment form which demonstrates that the individual being referred is at high risk of serious harm. If you are not trained and qualified to do so, please refer to your Designated MARAC Officer. Most organisations in Oxfordshire have a Designated MARAC Officer whose role is to support staff in undertaking a DASH and make the referral into the MARAC. Don’t know who your designated MARAC Officer is? Please email idva@reducingtherisk.org.uk and we will try to help.

Q: What should I do if I don’t have a Designated MARAC Officer?

Before you refer, it's always advisable to speak with our IDVA team to support your referral. You can call us on: 01865 788320 Or reach us by email: idva@reducingtherisk.org.uk DO NOT INCLUDE ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION OF THE CLIENT YOU ARE REFERRING in your email to us.

Contact

Policies

Useful Links