Our IDVA Service
High Risk Independent Domestic Violence Advisory (IDVA) service works with everyone in Oxfordshire who is assessed as being at high risk of significant harm and trauma through abuse.
The service is independent, inclusive, confidential and flexible to meet individual circumstances.
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.
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
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.
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.
We provide DASH training as part of our RtR DA Champions training – which is free to those in Oxfordshire.
For more information on signing up to this please visit our DA Champions page.
If you have further questions, please email: contact@reducingtherisk.org.uk
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.
Our average processing time for a case (6 months) is double that of the national IDVA dataset average (2-3 months) because our policy is to stay with a client for as long as they feel they need us.
For the past 15 years, Reducing the Risk has not had a single domestic related homicide (including suicide) with any client whose case is open and has fully engaged with our service.
She supported me at court and even looked after my son whilst I did the pre-trial visit. I couldn’t have done any of this without her support.
IDVA ServiceThe Senior Court IDVA was helpful at every step of the way with this extremely difficult case and without her I would not have been able to do this and understand all the court procedures.
IDVA ServiceThe IDVA supported me from day one when she got in contact after I was referred. She was always patient, listened to me, strengthened me regardless of how many times I called.
IDVA ServiceShe went out of her way to support me through this difficult case and went way and beyond in order to get this court case sorted as it was a difficult one. I could not have done it without her. I send her my heartfelt thanks.
IDVA ServiceWhenever I was concerned about anything or didn’t understand something she always explained it in a way I could understand. She was always patient, listened to me, strengthened me regardless of how many times I called.
IDVA ServiceI have been provided with emotional support guidance and counselling. I don’t know what I would have done. I felt so broken, lifeless and tearful.
IDVA ServiceThe IDVA was amazing, she ensured my home was safe and secure and never judged me. She gave me lots of information and safety advice that I had never heard of before.
IDVA ServiceShe liaised with the council and housing association with securing accommodation much quicker for me and my daughter as well as ensuring a guardcam was installed at my current address.
IDVA ServiceI was in an abusive marriage and had not recognised the signs. Through IDVA I can now identify signs at an early stage. She has helped me get support and counselling for my daughter and me.
IDVA ServiceShe supported me at court and even looked after my son whilst I did the pre-trial visit. I couldn’t have done any of this without her support.
IDVA ServiceI had an IDVA when I was 17 up to 19/20 years old, I am now 22 and have never forgotten the guidance and security she provided to me when I was with my abuser. I am now thriving in life without my abuser :)
IDVA ServiceTranslated from Urdu: You saved my life, if you didn’t find me when you did then I would be dead. Without you I didn’t know anything. I didn’t know how to access help. Thanks to you I am alive today and I pray for you all every day.
IDVA ServiceTranslated from Hindi: She gave me hope that somebody cared about me and would help me
IDVA Service