Contracts for Innovation Cymru - Transforming Multi-Agency Safeguarding for High-Risk Domestic Abuse in South Wales

Domestic abuse remains one of the most significant public protection challenges facing South Wales. For people assessed as being at highest risk of serious harm or homicide, timely safeguarding interventions and effective multi-agency coordination can be critical in reducing harm and improving safety outcomes.
South Wales Police and its partners currently deliver safeguarding through the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) process. MARAC is a long-established mechanism that brings organisations together to share information, assess risk and coordinate actions for victims experiencing high-risk domestic abuse. It remains one of the most important safeguarding arrangements available to public services and plays a vital role in protecting some of the most vulnerable people in society.
However, the current model is under increasing pressure. Across South Wales, more than 5,000 high-risk domestic abuse cases are managed annually through seven separate MARAC arrangements operating across Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea. Together, these arrangements account for approximately 44% of MARAC demand across Wales. Different governance structures, processes and operating approaches have evolved over time, resulting in variation in delivery, increasing administrative burden and challenges in maintaining consistency across the region.
Demand continues to increase whilst cases become more complex. In some areas, approximately 70 cases may be discussed during a single weekly MARAC process, and concerns have been raised regarding delays between referral, discussion and action. National reviews, safeguarding investigations and wider research have highlighted issues relating to fragmented information sharing, inconsistent processes and delays in identifying and responding to escalating risk.
South Wales Police, working alongside regional MARAC governance groups, the Office of the Police and Crime...