Domestic abuse
Anyone affected or concerned about domestic abuse can talk in confidence and for free by calling the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline on 08088 088 088 (9am-9pm Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm Sat / Sun).
Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs)
A Marac is a meeting where information is shared on the highest risk domestic abuse cases between representatives of local police, probation, health, child protection, housing practitioners, Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (Idvas) and other specialists from the statutory and voluntary sectors. After sharing all relevant information they have about a victim, the representatives 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 Marac will also make links with other fora to safeguard children and manage the behaviour of the perpetrator. At the heart of a Marac is the working assumption that no single agency or individual can see the complete picture of the life of a victim, but all may have insights that are crucial to their safety. The victim does not attend the meeting but is normally represented by an Idva who speaks on their behalf.
If you believe that an adult/family may need referring to MARAC you can use the following resources to help you assess if a referral is needed and then to make a referral.
MARAC referral form
This needs to be sent securely to hertsMARAC@Herts.pnn.police.uk It is understood some schools may not use WinZip but similar encryption/secure email software such as Herts SFX. Please use the appropriate software your policy and procedures state.
MARAC information sharing form
A resource to be used when schools are asked to provide a report as part of the MARAC process.
Operation Encompass – information sharing with schools on domestic abuse
Hertfordshire Police's Operation Encompass is intended to significantly improve information sharing and the timeliness of this between Police and schools following incidents of domestic abuse.
This information is for the attention of DSL’s, Deputy DSL’s and Headteachers.
Please note the Key Adult Briefing relates to self briefing via the PowerPoint and that no further training will be provided.
The following documents are act as a check list for your own use in school.
Operation Encompass key adult responsibilities
Resources mentioned in the training materials
Posters to be displayed in schools and colleges: