MARAC

[zks1989]

How can a marac meeting help me? I've just been told by assist that my case is a high risk one and a marac meeting will be called to see what they can do to help me. Does anyone know what they can actually do for domestic violence victims? Thanks

Various agencies will coordinate a plan around you. Someone has determined you are a very high risk.

It will involve police, probation and independent DV advisors (IDVAs) as well as any other agency who wants to intervene where there is a very serious case of domestic abuse. Which ever agency you are linked to the MARAC with should have explained this detail to you. The actual defensive measures will be done by the local police.

here is an overview, specifically for Welsh MARACs but the organisations of them are common

Loads. Marac will provide you with lots of support but also ensure that you are treated as a priority by all agencies involved. "High Risk MARAC" is the highest level of priority you can be.

You will be offered an Independant Domestic Violence Advisor - take her support. She won't push you into anything but she will support you emotionally and they have excellent resources for all sorts of practical things from arranging refuge places, referrals to food banks, the "sanctuary scheme" and anything else you might need.

MARAC is a positive step for you - especially in breaking free.

Thanks for getting back to me.....this is a sort of explanation of my situation at the moment. Copied and pasted. Hi mums I am 24yrs old and I have a six year old son. I was in a relationship with my voilent ex partner for six years. I finally plucked up the courage to leave the house with my son whilst my ex was on a business trip for the night. Over the six years we were together he was extremely violent controlling and just repulsive to me. He would come home destroy the house and when he'd done that he'd move onto me. He even served time in jail for headbutting me through a set of shop doors. My son was always present when the violence happened, my ex didn't care about him seeing. Every weekend he would drink and disappear on the Friday and turn back up so drunk...this is when the violence happened. Mainly when he was under the influence of drink or drugs. When sobour would be appologetic it will never happen again ect. We have been split for four years, I am now settled with someone else for past 2 and half years. We live together and bring my son up together. I am very happy in my current relationship, we have a lovely home and he treats me like a princess, I genuinely couldn't ask for better.......the only problem is I can't shake my ex. He's still violent trying to control me, still taking any chance he can to abuse me mainly emotionally. He was awarded contact on a sat from 3-4 Sunday TO BE PICKED UP FROM MY OWN FRONT DOOR....I couldn't believe this given his very violent past to me. Every week he was coming to the door to collect his son causing arguments trying to dictate what I do with my son. Trying to fight with my partner barging in the house, shouting and balling in front of my son. 3 weeks ago he came to the door on the Sunday afternoon after not showing for his contact the previous day. He demanded to be let in the house and see his son. When I refused he went cra,y banging on doors windows trying to push his way in. He tried to attack my partner when he refused him entry and asked him to leave. The police were called and he was arrested and charged with domestic breach of the peace. I am just looking for advice on the best way to stop forced contact with my son when not only is his father's behaviour a danger to him but also to me. He's really having an emotional effect on him. I want to keep my son and mysellf safe but I feel like nobody wants to help. That it doesn't matter what he's done he's his dad and that's it, nobody seems to understand that my sons safety is in danger when he's with his dad and it breaks my heart having to hand my baby over when he doesn't want to go. Social services even said they would recommend that he has no contact with him but it's the courts allowing this man to continue to bully and harass me and my son. I'm genuinely terrified of him. I know what he's capable of. I don't want my son growing up thinking that it is acceptable to treat another human being this way. I'm exhausted and frustrated and I don't know what to do to keep him away, he has bail conditions at the moment due to the recent charge so he has not been near for three or four week but once the bail conditions are finished with after court I'm worried he will just start again. I would appreciate any advice so much. I have been told there will be a marac meeting this week as we are very high risks and I was also wondering if anyone knew the possible outcomes of this and what it may mean for us. Thanks x

then the Marac will definitely be able to help keep you safe. definitely a step forward

It's difficult to say what may happen after court but with a MARAC attention this will focus the minds of all concerned - and a further conviction will not help him in any endeavour to seem fit to have access to your son, or you. Things will not 'return to normal' for him and the police will have your address as 'marked' for any call out to it, which means a v swift response and not spend time arguing the toss with him when they arrive. Speak to your IDVA (you will have one) at the first opportunity for the details.