MARAC Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference D/Supt Harper

Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference What is MARAC? Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference Meetings where information about high risk domestic abuse victims (those at risk of murder or serious harm) is shared between local agencies. By bringing all agencies together at a MARAC, a risk focused, coordinated safety plan can be drawn up to support the victim and reduce the risk.

How the MARAC Operates Any agency can make a referral into the process All agencies asked to research the victim, perpetrator and their children before the meeting is held and bring that information to the meeting Wide variety of statutory and voluntary bodies in attendance Several cases discussed in one day Focus on a comprehensive risk management plan, informed by the information shared between all parties

The Importance of GPs to MARAC Each year around 2.1m people suffer some form of domestic abuse: 1.4 million women (8.5% of the population) and 700,000 men (4.5% of the population). Crime Survey for England and Wales; 4 out of 5 victims of domestic abuse do not tell the police. Women may be more likely to disclose domestic abuse to a health care professional than to the police. The survey found that 486,720 victims experiencing partner abuse within the last year sought medical attention. Seeing their GP could provide a vital opportunity for identification and disclosure

Information Sharing and Consent Consent sought in all cases where safe to do so Victim never attends MARAC. However the process works more effectively if they are engaged in it and with their own safety planning When a victim is asked for consent for MARAC, the process is explained to them- including that information about them and, if applicable, their children will be sought from a large number of agencies Agency discretion on what to share

GDPR Came into effect on 25th May 2018. Victoria Atkins MP announced the bill is intended to make it easier to carry out "legitimate safeguarding activities that are in the substantial public interest, and will "cover the safeguarding activities expected of organisations responsible” for individuals at risk. The bill will provide a framework within which organisations can justify such reasonable preparatory and policy steps as they deem necessary.

GDPR Legal Basis for sharing- under Article 6 justifications for sharing MARAC information are likely to be; Consent- this will be sought in all cases where safe to do so Vital Interests- the processing is necessary to protect someone’s life Public Task- the processing is necessary for you to perform a task in the public interest or for your official functions, and the task or function has a clear basis in law

Amendment 85 GDPR House of Commons Amendment adopted March 2018 In summary, it provides for a lawful ground for the processing of personal data – without consent if the circumstances justify it – where it is in the substantial public interest, and necessary for the purpose of: (i)   protecting an individual from neglect or physical, mental or emotional harm; or (ii)  protecting the physical, mental or emotional well-being of an individual where that individual is a child or an adult at risk

GPs and MARAC Information GPs are not expected to attend MARAC but are welcome to do so The request is for any information deemed relevant and pertinent to the safeguarding of the victim or any children involved, or reducing the perpetrators risk. GPs surgeries have discretion on what to share, if anything. Although the original request for information will not have full details of the referral to MARAC this can be provided to you upon request