Information for professionals

Key guidance for RBWM professionals on responding to domestic abuse in line with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and RBWM’s Domestic Abuse Strategy.

This page brings together key guidance for RBWM professionals on responding to domestic abuse, including local pathways, MARAC processes and risk assessment.

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between people aged 16 or over, who are ‘personally connected’. This includes current or ex-partners or family members.

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse. This is true regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or background.

Domestic abuse is not always physical.  Behaviour is abusive if it includes any of the following:

  • Physical or sexual abuse.
  • Violent or threatening behaviour.
  • Controlling or coercive behaviour.
  • Economic abuse.
  • Psychological, emotional or other abuse.

Local governance, partnership arrangements and strategy

The RBWM Domestic Abuse Forum is a networking group that brings together frontline representatives from statutory and voluntary agencies across the borough to:  

  • Work collaboratively to ensure a local coordinated response to domestic abuse.
  • Support practitioners working with individuals affected by domestic abuse through information sharing, networking and training.
  • Raise awareness and understanding of domestic abuse among professionals and the public.
  • Seek ways to ensure the voices of victims and survivors of domestic abuse are heard.
  • Contribute to the delivery of the RBWM Domestic Abuse Strategy and Action Plan.

The Forum acts as a consultative group to the RBWM Domestic Abuse Executive Group (DAEG) which provides a strategic lead of multi-agency responses to domestic abuse in the borough and meets the function of the required Local Partnership Board (LPB) as set out under Section 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

The RBWM DAEG holds overall responsibility for development and delivery of the RBWM Domestic Abuse Strategy 2024-2027 and Action Plan.

RBWM’s Domestic Abuse Strategy 2024-2027 was published in December 2024. It is a three year strategy and seeks to update and renew our strategic response to domestic abuse (including support to victims of domestic abuse in safe accommodation). 

Risk assessment

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has adopted the SafeLives Domestic Abuse, Stalking, Harassment and Honour Based Abuse (DASH) Risk Identification checklist. 

This helps provide a consistent response and approach to domestic abuse in the borough. All front line practitioners should use this to identify risk and decide which cases should be referred to MARAC and what other support might be required.  Risk is dynamic as circumstances change and the checklist may need to be revisited.

Safety planning

Safety planning helps victim-survivors prepare for risks and make informed choices at any stage, including post-separation.  Plans should be individualised, trauma-informed, and reviewed regularly as risk can change quickly.  

Professionals should discuss practical staps, digital safety and children’s safety routines.  Read the advice around making a safety plan on the Women's Aid website.

Referral pathways and multi-agency panels

Domestic abuse referral pathway

The RBWM multi-agency referral pathway will guide you through the steps to take if you suspect abuse or abuse has been disclosed to you. 

Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)

The Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) is held every month. During the meeting, local agencies come together with the aim to protect people at high risk of harm or homicide from domestic abuse.

Victims are represented by an independent domestic violence advocate (IDVA) or another professional to ensure their needs and voice stay at the centre of discussions.

Agencies that attend MARAC

Each MARAC meeting includes designated MARAC officers (DMOs) from key local services, such as:

  • Thames Valley Police.
  • Local health partners (GPs, hospitals, mental health services).
  • Adult and children’s social care.
  • Housing services.
  • Probation and offender management.
  • Specialist domestic abuse services (including IDVAs).
  • Voluntary and community sector organisations.

All agencies share relevant information and agree actions they will take to help reduce risk and support the victim.

If you are a professional and believe someone is at high risk, speak to your agency’s designated MARAC officer (DMO) for advice or to make a referral.  

Confidentiality and information sharing

Information shared at MARAC is strictly confidential and used only to safeguard the victim and others at risk. All agencies must follow the local MARAC Information Sharing Agreement and the principles of the Data Protection Act 2018.

Multi Agency Tasking And Coordination (MATAC)

MATAC brings together partner agencies monthly to identify and manage the most harmful and persistent domestic abuse perpetrators using the Recency, Frequency, Gravity (RFG) model. 

It coordinates targeted disruption and interventions plans to reduce repeat harm and improve safety for victims.  Any agency can refer a perpetrator into MATAC by emailing BerkshireEastLCUHRU@thamesvalley.police.uk. 

Drive

The Drive programme provides intensive behaviour change work with high-risk perpetrators. Drive combines direct case management, multi-agency safety planning and enforcement/disruption where needed.