Better joint working to tackle domestic abuse could save 740m a year

The report, Saving Lives, Saving Money, by the charity Co-ordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse (CAADA) lays out the business case for setting up Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs), which involve police, social services and health professionals working together to support victims.

Early evaluation of the schemes already up and running show that 60 per cent of victims report no further abuse after support from these conferences.

If rolled out nationally this would save around £740m a year, claims CAADA, through cutting down the need for continued police action, social services support and treatment of injuries.

CAADA estimates that the cost of rolling out this conference to 300 areas would cost £120m, but says that the future savings made would make this a worthwhile investment.

According to the report, 28,000 adults and 40,000 children affected by domestic abuse have already been supported by this conference model.

However, the charity estimates around 117,000 children and 120,000 adults are still at risk of severe domestic abuse.

Diana Barran, CAADA chief executive, said: "MARACs have genuinely transformed the choices and support available to victims of severe domestic abuse and their children.

"However, currently these choices are available to just a quarter of the victims that need them. With proper support from government we have the chance to save lives, save public money and help give children back the futures they deserve."