Useful links

Module 4 – Multi-agency Collaboration

Welcome! Multi-sectoral cooperation helps women access services,report domestic violence (DV), & enables effective police investigations through collaboration with support services, healthcare, & courts. This Module aims to equip police officers with tools for effective multi-agency collaboration & address complex challenges in DV cases through coordinated approaches.

Learning objectives of this Module include the following important steps: 

  1. Understanding the benefits of multi-agency collaboration in DV response.
  2. Learning the role of the police officers in the collaborative frameworks.
  3. Exploring models of multi-agency collaboration.

Multi-agency Collaboration for DV: Key Agences & Principles

Which agencies are involved in multi-agency collaboration? 

Key principles of effective collaboration

Multi-Agency Strategies for supporting Vulnerable Groups

Police role in multi-agency collaboration

Go to this section

Case Studies & Examples of Multi-agency Collaborations

Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC)

Coordinated Community Response (CCR)

Family Justice Centers (FJC)

SafeLives Early Intervention Models

Differentiated Case Management (DCM)

Go to this section

Multi-Agency Collaboration for DV

Domestic Violence is a complex issue, that involves criminal justice, health care, police, women’s organizations & various types of social support services.

Multi-Agency collaboration for the prevention of DV is a structural approach to coordinated action across all types of institutions & agencies with roles in the identification, prevention, control & prosecution of DV.

When implemented well, it can:

  • Enable agencies to develop a common understanding of how best to address DV
  • Improve safety & protection of victims by offering comprehensive support
  • Enable efficient use of resources & availability of resources
  • Enable professionals to focus on their areas of expertise & collaborate with other professionals

How does multi-agency collaboration work?

Establish at local/regional/national level multi-agency collaborative groups with the same goal

The groups should meet regularly & have an institutional lead

In best-practice examples, the lead are women support services (state funded or NGOs’) but any institution can establish the group & be assigned the role of leadership

Each participant institution should assign representatives to the multi-agency collaboration groups with clear responsibilities for the group but also for the institutions

Key agencies involved in multi-agency collaboration

Police

Immediate response, investigation, enforcement of protection orders

Social Services

Long-term support, housing, financial aid

Women’s Support Services

Shelter, counseling, advocacy for survivors

Legal & Court Services

Legal aid, prosecution, protective measures

Child Protection Services

Safeguard children exposed to DV

Victim Support Services

Provide support & resources

Healthcare Providers

Address physical & mental health needs

Perpetrator Intervention Programs

Long-term support, housing, financial aid

Effective Multi-Agency Collaboration

Create a shared philosophy for collaboration & cooperation, with similar principles & joint goals.

Clear Roles & Responsibilities

Clearly define agency roles & responsibilities to ensure effective coordination.

Shared Understanding & Common Language

Build shared understanding & respect for different organizational cultures & expertise, ensuring all parties “speak the same language“.

Enhanced Communication & Data Sharing

Foster regular communication, data sharing, & referrals across agencies.

Victim-Centered Approach

Prioritize a victim-centered & child safety-focused approach in all collaborative activities.

Integrated Practice

Implement inter-agency collaboration in day-to-day practice at both institutional & individual levels, agreeing on steps for joint interventions.

Multi-Agency Strategies for supporting Vulnerable Groups

Conduct assessments that account for the specific vulnerabilities of the group, such as physical frailty in older adults or impaired decision-making in those with substance use issues.
Tailored Assessments
Develop safety plans that consider the unique risks faced by vulnerable individuals, such as mobility issues for older adults or triggers for substance use.
Customized Plans
Involve multiple agencies such as social services, healthcare providers, mental health professionals, & substance use treatment centers to create a coordinated support plan. Where possible, provide services in a single location or ensure seamless referrals between agencies to reduce barriers to access.
Cross-Agency Collaboration
Ensure immediate access to emergency support, including shelters, medical care, & legal protection, tailored to the needs of vulnerable groups.
Emergency Interventions

Police role in multi-agency collaboration

  • Provide detailed info about the domestic abuse incidents, history of abuse, perpetrator’s behavior, and any previous criminal records. This helps other agencies understand the level of risk faced by the victim.
  • Share any intelligence that could escalate the risk to the victim, such as from ongoing investigations, patterns of behavior, or known triggers.
  • Collaborate with other agencies to develop a coordinated safety plan for the victim. This may include measures such as increased patrols around the victim’s home, providing the victim with a panic alarm, or ensuring quick police response in case of an emergency.
  • Suggest legal actions, such as applying for protective orders (e.g., restraining orders), or pursuing charges against the perpetrator if the evidence supports it.

Multi-agency collaboration enhances victim safety & ensures coordinated justice.

Examples of Multi-Agency Collaboration

Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC)

Purpose: Facilitate multi-agency collaboration to protect victims in high-risk DV situations.

Participation: Involves commitment from different agencies to allocate resources & overcome barriers on a case-by-case basis.

Process:

  • Regular case-related conferences (every 2-4 weeks) with 6-20 cases discussed
  • Requires 1-3 days of preparation.

Limitations:

  • Time-consuming
  • Reserved for the highest-risk situations.

Purpose: To create a comprehensive, community-wide approach to prevent & respond to DV through collaboration among various agencies & stakeholders.

Participation: Steering Groups & smaller group meetings of different service providers  (law enforcement, courts, healthcare, social services, victim support services, & community organizations).

Process:

  • Agencies work together to develop shared protocols & practices.
  • Regular meetings to evaluate cases, policies, & outcomes.
  • Continuous training & capacity building for professionals involved.

Limitations:

  • Requires strong leadership & sustained funding.
  • Coordination challenges can arise from differing priorities & mandates among agencies.

Purpose: Provide a single location where DV survivors can access multiple services, reducing the need for them to navigate different systems.

Participation: Co-located staff from law enforcement, legal aid, victim advocacy, healthcare, & social services.

Process:

  • Centralized hubs offer legal assistance, counseling, safety planning, & housing support.
  • Survivors are referred to the center, & services are coordinated to meet their needs.

Limitations:

  • High costs for initial setup & ongoing operations.
  • Accessibility issues for survivors in rural or remote areas.

Purpose: Focus on identifying & supporting victims at risk of DV as early as possible to prevent harm & escalation.

Participation: Police, healthcare, social workers, & specialized domestic violence services.

Process:

  • Screening tools used by professionals to assess risk levels.
  • Referral to support services before risks escalate to high levels.
  • Multi-agency involvement to deliver tailored interventions.

Limitations:

  • Requires training & consistent application of risk assessment tools.
  • Effectiveness depends on timely & adequate resource allocation.

Purpose: Streamline case management by categorizing DV cases based on risk, complexity, & urgency to allocate resources effectively.

Participation:Courts, police, victim advocates, social workers, & legal services.

Process:

  • Cases are screened & categorized into tiers (e.g., high-risk, moderate-risk, low-risk).
  • Specific pathways are assigned to each tier, determining the level of intervention & resources needed.
  • Regular reviews ensure appropriate adjustments to case plans.

Limitations:

  • Requires comprehensive initial assessment to ensure accurate categorization.
  • Risk of overburdening high-risk case teams if the system isn’t balanced.

Multi-agency collaboration strategies for Marina (Case Study)

Marina is a 35-year-old woman, mother of three children, a migrant legally residing in an EU country, & married to James for the last eight years. They live in a rural area (a small town), where James is a member of a “large and wealthy family” running a small-scale business in the area. Marina’s children include two from her previous marriage & one with James, all legally living in this country.

Marina does not have a regular job. She is very attractive, has friends, & a social network; however, she is heavily controlled by James. James is a very dominant person who seeks to control her, & due to his business activities, he is well-networked with local agencies & other community stakeholders. He is perceived as a “good & caring father”.

Marina has experienced violence many times, primarily psychological abuse, which she did not perceive as “serious”. However, following a severe physical assault, she & her friend went to the hospital. It was clear that she had been violently beaten, yet she did not enter the emergency care unit. Her friend called the helpline & the police to report the incident. The police met them outside the healthcare unit, near a café, but Marina denied everything. Her friend took responsibility for reporting the incident to the police, persistently telling them that if Marina were to take the children away from James, he would find her & kill her. The next day, in front of the police & prosecutor’s office, Marina continued to deny everything.

At the same time, Marina could (& would be willing to) leave the country with her children for another EU country, where her sister is willing to support her. However, James has been threatening her (through third parties) that if she leaves, he will kill her.

Assignment: Identify different agencies that should be involved in multi-agency collaboration to assist Marina & her children, ensure their safety, & hold James accountable for his actions & avoid femicide.

Step-by-step workflow: Marina’s Case

Action Agencies Involved Workflow
1. Initial Incident Reporting – Marina’s friend reports the assault to the helpline, & police are contacted. Marina receives medical attention. Police, Helpline, Healthcare Professionals Marina's friend contacts the helpline & police after the assault. Healthcare professionals document the injuries.
2. First Contact & Safety Assessment – Police meet Marina & her friend; Marina denies abuse. Victim support offers emotional support, & a safety assessment is conducted. Police, Victim Support Services, Healthcare Police assess immediate risk; healthcare confirms injuries. Victim support provides safety options.
3. Risk Assessment & Safety Plan – Risk assessment conducted by police & social services. Victim support creates a safety plan. Police, Social Services, Victim Support, Domestic Violence Specialist Agencies assess risks & develop a plan for Marina's immediate safety & shelter.
4. Protection Orders & Legal Support – Police apply for protection orders; legal aid is offered to Marina for custody & separation issues. Police, Prosecutor, Legal Aid, Domestic Violence Specialist Police apply for an emergency protection order if deemed necessary to prevent further violence from James; legal aid supports Marina’s legal needs.
5. Child Welfare & Protection – Social services & child protection assess the children's safety. Social Services, Police, Child Protection Services Child Protection Services assess the safety of Marina's children & determine whether they are at risk. Police may intervene if there are immediate concerns.
6. Ongoing Support and Monitoring – Continued monitoring by police & social services. Marina receives ongoing emotional support & legal assistance. Victim Support, Police, Social Services, Healthcare, Legal Aid Regular check-ins & updates ensure ongoing protection and support.Victim Support continues to check in with Marina, providing emotional & psychological support and ensuring she is aware of her options. Police monitor James’s interactions and ensure compliance with protection orders.
7. Planning for Relocation (If Needed) – Social services & victim support assist with relocation plans, police provide protection during the process. Police, Social Services, Victim Support, Immigration Authorities Marina is supported in relocating safely, with assistance from police & immigration authorities.
8. Long-term Recovery & Reintegration – Marina receives housing, financial assistance, therapy, & legal support for long-term recovery. Social Services, Mental Health Professionals, Victim Support, Legal Aid Social Services & Victim Support assist Marina's long-term recovery by providing housing, financial aid, & community reintegration, while Mental Health Professionals offer counseling to address trauma. Legal Aid continues to support Marina with ongoing legal matters, including divorce & custody arrangements.

How multi-agency collaboration supports high-risk victims like Jane (Case Study)

Jane, a 32-year-old mother of two young children, has been in a relationship with her partner, John, for 10 years. Over the past few years, the relationship has become increasingly abusive. John has a history of controlling behavior, including isolating Jane from her family and friends, monitoring her phone & social media, & controlling the household finances. Recently, the abuse has escalated to physical violence, with John frequently hitting & threatening her. Jane is fearful for her life & the safety of her children.

Last week, after a particularly violent incident where John threatened her with a knife in front of their children, Jane contacted the police. The responding officers observed visible injuries on Jane & noticed the children were visibly distressed. Jane admitted she had been too afraid to report the abuse before due to John’s threats that he would take the children away if she ever tried to leave him.

Jane disclosed that John has a history of substance abuse, particularly alcohol, which seems to exacerbate the violence. She also mentioned that she has no access to the family’s finances, as John controls all the money, leaving her financially dependent on him. Additionally, she expressed concern that John has a licensed firearm in the home.

Jane is now willing to leave the relationship but is unsure where to go or how to protect herself & her children. She fears that John will follow through on his threats if she attempts to leave.

Assignment: Identify different agencies that should be involved in multi-agency collaboration to assist Jane & her children, ensure their safety, & hold James accountable for his actions & avoid femicide.

Step-by-step workflow: Jane’s Case

Action Agencies Involved Workflow
1. Initial Incident Reporting – Jane contacts the police after a violent incident where John threatened her with a knife. Officers observe visible injuries & assess the children’s distress. attention. Police, Victim Support Police respond to Jane's call, document evidence of abuse, & assess immediate risks to Jane & her children. Jane is informed of her options for support.
2. Risk Assessment and Referral to MARAC – Jane's case is identified as high risk due to the escalating violence, presence of a weapon (firearm), substance abuse, financial control, & threats to children. Police, Victim Support Services, MARAC Coordinator DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking, and Harassment) risk assessment tool is completed, identifying Jane as at high risk. The case is referred to MARAC for multi-agency review.
3. MARAC Meeting and Information Sharing – A MARAC meeting is convened with representatives from relevant agencies to discuss Jane's case & create a coordinated action plan. Police, Victim Support, Social Services, Domestic Violence Specialist, Children’s Services, Probation (if John has a criminal record) During the MARAC meeting, all agencies share information about the risks, Jane's current situation, & resources available. A safety plan is developed, including steps to protect Jane & her children.
4. Immediate Protection Measures – Following the MARAC meeting, immediate steps are taken to ensure Jane & her children’s safety. Legal Aid, Social Services, Victim Support Police implement protective measures, including arresting John if necessary & removing firearms, while Victim Support assists Jane with safety planning & shelter resources. A DV Specialist arranges emergency housing, & Social Services ensure the children's well-being & safety.
5. Legal & Financial Support – Jane receives legal advice and support to address custody, financial control, & protection orders. Social Services, Police, Child Protection Services Legal Aid helps Jane obtain a protection order, file for divorce, & secure custody, while Social Services assist with her financial independence & access to benefits. Victim Support ensures Jane understands her legal rights & options.
6. Ongoing Support and Monitoring – Continued monitoring of John’s behavior & Jane’s safety, along with ongoing support for Jane & her children. Police, Victim Support, Social Services, Children’s Services Police monitor John’s compliance with protection orders & investigate threats, while Victim Support offers Jane ongoing emotional support & trauma counseling. Children’s Services ensure the children’s well-being & provide therapy if needed, & Social Services assist Jane with practical support, including housing & employment services.
7. Long-term Recovery and Reintegration – Jane’s long-term recovery & reintegration into the community are supported, with a focus on her independence & safety. Social Services, Mental Health Professionals, Victim Support Social Services help Jane with financial independence, stable housing, & employment, while Mental Health Professionals provide ongoing counseling for Jane & her children. Victim Support continues to check in & ensure Jane has the support she needs as she adjusts to her new life.

Key Takeaways

Purpose of Multi-Agency Collaboration

To improve victim safety, ensure coordinated justice, & provide comprehensive support for those affected by domestic violence.

Core Principles

Clear roles & responsibilities among agencies; Effective information sharing while maintaining confidentiality; A victim-centered, holistic approach that prioritizes safety & well-being.

Police Role

Provide critical information & intelligence; Collaborate in risk assessment & safety planning; Lead in enforcing legal measures & responding to threats.

Collaboration Works

Multi-agency approaches are vital to addressing the complexity of DV. Together, we can protect victims, hold perpetrators accountable, & create safer communities.

Self Assessment

Back to Module III
Go to Module V

Co-funded by the CERV Daphne EC Program. Grant Agreement no. 101096908