Transcript Document
MARAC Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference Domestic Abuse
Suzanne Hughes Detective Sergeant Public Protection Unit, Swansea.
SouthWales Police.
Tel. 01792 562872.
E mail suzanne.hughes@south wales.pnn.police.uk
Eirian Evans Team Manager South Wales Probation, Cardiff.
Tel. 029 20785045 E mail – eirian.evans@south wales.probation.gsi.gov.uk
WHAT IS DOMESTIC ABUSE?
• Defined as ……… • “Any incident of violence or aggression, wherever and whenever it occurs. The Abuse may include PHYSICAL, SEXUAL, EMOTIONAL or FINANCIAL ABUSE of an individual by a family member, partner or ex-partner, in an existing or previous relationship, regardless of gender, culture or sexual orientation.”
National/International Research
• Almost 50% of murders in the UK are • Every 3 days in the UK a woman is killed as a result of Domestic Abuse.
• 1 in 4 women is, or has been, a victim of Domestic Abuse in their lifetime.
result of suffering Domestic Abuse.
assaulted by a current or former partner.
The extent of Domestic Abuse
• A victim is physically abused approximately 35 times before they report it to any agency.
• Every minute in the UK, police receive a call from the public in relation to Domestic Abuse.
• In 1999 it was estimated that over 6.6 million people were victims of domestic Abuse.
South Wales Sharing of Information Protocol
• Police • Social Services • NHS Trust • Local Health Boards • National Probation Service
RISK ASSESSMENT FACTORS
• • • • • • • • • • • • • 1. Does partner/ex partner have a criminal record?
If Yes, tick box if domestic abuse related
?
2. Has current incident resulted in injuries?
If Yes, does this cause significant concern?
3. Has the incident involved the use of weapons?
If Yes, does this cause significant concern.
4. Is assailant experiencing financial problems?
Yes No Yes No 5 . Does the assailant have problems with alcohol/drugs/m.health Yes No 6. Is the Victim pregnant?
Yes No 7. Has the assailant expressed/behaved in a jealous or displayed controlling ways?
If Yes, does this cause significant concern?
8. Has there been/going to be a relationship separation?
Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No
RISK ASSESSMENT FACTORS (continued)
• • • • • • • • • • • • • 9. Is there any conflict over child contact?
10. Has partner/ex partner ever threatened to kill anybody?
If Yes, does this cause significant concern?
11. Has partner/ex partner attempted to strangle/choke?
12. Is the abuse becoming worse and/or happening more often?
Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No 13. Has partner/ex partner threatened/attempted suicide?
14. Has the assailant said or done things of a sexual nature Yes No that makes the victim feel bad or that physically hurts them? Yes No 15. How frightened is the victim? Does the victim feel isolated from family and friends?
Does the victim reside in isolated area?
Does the victim have suicidal thoughts relating to the abuse? Yes No
16. OFFICERS OBSERVATIONS
February 2007 – Swansea.
• 220 incidents reported to police • 179 with risk indicators • 41 without risk indicators • 121 Incidents where children under 18 resided in the home • 58 incidents where children under 5 resided in the home • 8 incidents where victim was pregnant 67 Risk factors identified • Very high - 15 High - 40 Medium - 98 Standard Under 18 yrs. Under 5 years. Pregnant Very High – 11 Very High – 9 Very High - 2 High - 29 High – 17 High - 3 Medium - 68 Medium – 28 Medium - 3 Standard – 13 Standard – 4 Standard - 0
Intention of MARAC •Share information •Draw up a multi-agency action plan •Reduce risks to victim/children •Monitor and review
M.A.R.A.C. who attends…
• Police • Probation • Midwife Social Services • Child Protection Nurse • Women’s Aid • NSPCC • Housing • B.A.W.S.O. • Social Services-Child Protection • Social Services-Intake and Assessment • Social Services-Adult Services • Education • Cardiff Women’s Safety Unit • Mental Health Services • Substance abuse workers • Any other relevant agency
DV MARACs
• Probation viewpoint – assists in monitoring and addressing behaviour, while ensuring best possible protection to victims.
Case Study
• Perpetrator had pre-cons for drugs and weapons, • Previously served 9yrs, on licence to Probation.
• Never been arrested for Domestic Abuse.
• Called when he wanted, threatened victim and teenage children, hit and sexually assaulted victim.
• Mum of 3 teenagers in and out of refuge for many years, they then refuse to go into a refuge.
• Never made a statement to police, always too scared.
• Felt threatened by Social Services, numerous case conferences. Children subsequently placed on Child Protection Register.
• He was always able to locate her, poses as police, social worker, etc to gain information
Actions agreed
… • Housing agreed to move her out of Cardiff.
• Video statement taken as vulnerable witness.
• Police arrested him on the day victim is moved • New address only to be known to social area.
• New address target hardened.
• Children referred to NSPCC .
After being re-located -
• Perpetrator is unable to locate them.
• Children doing well in school.
• Children taken off Child Protection Register.
Outcome
• Perpetrator committed suicide.
• Attempts made to contact victim failed, agencies files did not reveal new address.
• Fact: Some people who are suicidal are also homicidal.
• Was a further tragedy prevented??
Initial evaluation of MARAC process
• Victims interviewed: 63% had not experienced further violence or abuse.
• No police call outs for Domestic Abuse Incidents for 66% of Victims.
Conclusion
“Everyone is keen because nobody really knows how to risk assess. This is very user friendly, common sense. It’s all about getting people to know what risk is. In the past women have been given dangerous advice - hide the family allowance book, pack a spare suitcase. I’ve worked with women when hiding the passport has meant a beating that could have killed her. As a system, failure to understand risk has endangered people in the past. The system of risk assessment needs to be integrated.”