Domestic abuse "Caledonian system" offender programme to be extended

Six more local authorities are to benefit from a pioneering programme to change the behaviour of domestic abuse perpetrators, Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf confirmed today.

The Caledonian System, a specialist, court-mandated scheme to combat domestic abuse through the rehabilitation of male perpetrators, is being rolled out to Glasgow City, along with Dundee City in partnership with Perth & Kinross, Fife, Highland and South Lanarkshire, doubling the programme's potential capacity to reach offenders.

The programme is currently delivered through hubs in Aberdeen City, Edinburgh City, Falkirk, Dumfries & Galloway and North Ayrshire Councils. It provides a direct alternative to custody and other high tariff community sentences given after an accused has been convicted of a domestic abuse related offence. Over its two year duration it works with men to help them recognise their abuse and take responsibility for themselves and their relationships, while also aiming to improve the lives of women and children affected.

Confirming the £2.8m funding prevously announced, Mr Yousaf said: "Domestic abuse is a problem that continues to affect every community in Scotland. It is a priority for the Scottish Government to tackle violence against women and expand pioneering initiatives, like the Caledonian System, which combines a robust programme for male offenders, aimed at changing their behaviour, with a focus on reducing the risk of harm to women and children.

"Funding to expand the availability of the Caledonian System is one of the measures we have put in place to protect victims and hold perpetrators to account, including strengthening the law and passing the Domestic Abuse Act earlier this year.

"Evidence shows men who have completed this programme posed a lower risk to their families while women felt safer, so I am pleased this innovative approach will be more widely available for courts to consider."