Risk management, MARAC and HRDA

MARAC & HRDA meetings provide appropriate services for those involved in domestic abuse: victim, children and perpetrator

Risk assessment helps identify danger, guide action and keep victims/survivors and families safe. It is a core part of Hampshire’s multiagency response to domestic abuse.

Risk assessment tools

  1. Domestic Abuse, Stalking and ‘Honour’ (DASH) - current multiagency tool

    Hampshire uses the SafeLives DASH risk indicator checklist. Agencies should complete DASH where possible and where trained, especially when considering Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) or High-Risk Domestic Abuse (HRDA) referrals. Support with risk assessment is available via the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Advice Line (03300 165 112).

  2. Professional judgment referrals

    You can still refer a case to MARAC based solely on professional judgment, even if DASH cannot be completed. Professionals may use their knowledge of the situation, disclosures or presenting risks to determine that MARAC consideration is necessary. This approach is supported where DASH completion is not possible and risk remains clearly high.

  3. Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment (DARA) – used by Hampshire Police from April 2026

    From April 2026, Hampshire Police will adopt the DARA tool for police-led risk assessments.

    What this means for professionals:

    • DASH will continue to be used as the multiagency standard across Hampshire.
    • DARA will be used by Hampshire Police when conducting police-led risk assessments.
    • Both tools will inform safeguarding decisions and referrals.

    Professionals should therefore remain familiar with DASH but also be aware of this upcoming change.

What to do after a risk assessment

Follow the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Referral Pathway. Key steps:

  • Child protection concerns: refer to Children’s Services and the Police immediately.
  • Criminal offences (no children involved): encourage contact with the Police.
  • High-risk cases: complete a MARAC referral form and send it to the MARAC inbox.
    The MASH will decide whether the case goes to MARAC or HRDA – you don’t need to.
  • Safety planning: agree a safety plan with your client – if you need support, contact the Advice Line.
  • Specialist support: refer your client (with consent) to Stop Domestic Abuse via the Advice Line (03300 165 112).

MARAC and HRDA explained

Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC)

MARACs provide a multi-agency response for high-risk domestic abuse victims where up to date risk information is combined with a comprehensive assessment of the victim’s needs. This enables appropriate services to be put in place for all those involved in the case.

High-Risk Domestic Abuse (HRDA)

Daily high-risk domestic abuse meetings within MASH, providing:

  • Faster multiagency response.
  • Immediate decision-making close to the time of the incident.
  • Attendance by Police, Children’s Services, Adult Health and Care, health staff, and a specialist domestic abuse worker (who ensures the voice of the victim/survivor is represented at the planning stage).
  • Consistent high-risk thresholds across Hampshire.

How to refer

  • Complete DASH, if possible. If not, consider the MARAC referral criteria or contact the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Advice Line for assistance with risk assessment (03300 165 112).
  • Remember, you can refer using professional judgment if DASH cannot be completed.
  • Complete a MARAC referral form and email it, together with the DASH assessment if you have one, to [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call 01329 316 113 for advice or to make a referral by phone.

MARAC tools