Domestic violence sufferers considered most at risk of severe injuries or even death will be targeted for extra help when a new scheme starts in Bradford on Monday.

The approach will see all the agencies involved coming together to discuss cases they have identified as at highest risk to offer the best possible support to victims and their children.

It could be a woman fleeing her partner and needing a plan to get out and somewhere to stay, said Detective Chief Inspector Steve Hopwood, chairman of the newly-formed Bradford Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (Marac).

The agencies will include Bradford Council, the Police, the Probation Service, and representatives from housing, health and education and the voluntary sector.

They will meet monthly to share information from which they will develop co-ordinated action plans to help protect the victims and rebuild their lives.

Professionals have been invited to attend the launch event to learn more about Marac as they will be crucial to its success.

The event will include a 40-minute drama production called Hear My Voice by Interacting which looks at the difficulties faced by women who experience abusive relationships.

Bradford is hoping to achieve similar success to Cardiff which was the first place to hold Maracs. The level of reported repeat victimisation dropped from 32 per cent to less than 10 per cent in that area between 2004 and 2006.

Domestic violence covers psychological, emotional, physical, sexual and financial abuse between adults - both men and women - who are or have been partners, or family members.

Although agencies within the Bradford district have been working together for several years now, the Maracs want to build on those relationships and draw in a broader range of agencies.

Agencies use a 20-point checklist of factors with the victim in order to indicate the level of risk. Information will be shared on victims and perpetrators such as when an offender is released, when care and support of children is needed or crisis accommodation required.

Independent domestic violence advisors are also being introduced to help support and protect victims, assisting them from the point of crisis through to the time a case goes to court.

DCI Hopwood, who is also the violent crime lead for Bradford policing, added: "Domestic violence accounts for about 33 per cent of violent crime in the district. Different agencies bring together different information and sets of skills to the table.

"Together we can develop a full picture of the situation and more importantly, develop a highly effective and co-ordinated response."

Councillor Martin Smith, chairman of the Bradford District Safer Communities Partnership, said: "Bradford Council will be leading and contributing to the funding of Maracs and we want to make it clear that domestic violence and abuse will not be tolerated in our district.

"We have some of the best domestic abuse services in the UK. However, we are determined to work together to provide the best possible solutions to this important issue."

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