Further money to go to domestic abuse offender programme

A specialised programme to help domestic abuse offenders address their behaviour is to be expanded around Scotland.

The Scottish Government today announced an additional £2.8m for local authorities to support the rollout of the Caledonian System, a specialist court-mandated programme working with male perpetrators, which also aims to improve the lives of women and children affected.

The Caledonian System is not an alternative to prosecution but a direct alternative to custody and other high tariff community disposals given after an accused has been convicted of a domestic abuse related offence. In a two year programme it works with men to help them recognise their abuse and take responsibility for themselves and their relationships. It is currently delivered through hubs in Aberdeen City, Edinburgh City, Falkirk, Dumfries & Galloway and North Ayrshire Councils. 

If at any point the programme is breached by the perpetrator the case is returned to court for consideration of whether a separate sentence should be imposed.

Evidence following an evaluation in 2016 indicates that men who completed the programme posed a lower risk to partners, children and others by the end. It also found a strong belief among women engaged with the programme that it was contributing to making them feel safer. On the most recent figures, more than 450 men are engaged with the programme, with over 1,200 having participated since 2011. There have been 1,230 women offered access to the women’s service over the same period, with over 720 currently engaging, and 1,040 children known to the children’s service.

Making today's announcement, Justice Secretary Michael Matheson commented: "Levels of domestic abuse remain at unacceptably high levels in Scotland. We know that the official statistics still do not paint the whole picture, as victims are often too afraid to report abuse. We also know domestic abuse disproportionately affects women, with men as the primary perpetrators. Put simply, attitudes need to change."

He added: "The funding I am announcing today will further strengthen our push to eradicate this scourge on society. Domestic abuse offenders need to understand the harm they cause and what they can do to change their behaviour."

Linda Rodgers, chief executive of Edinburgh Women's Aid said: "It is crucial that we have a range of services across Scotland for those affected by domestic abuse and that these services include interventions to support perpetrators to change their behaviour. The Caledonian Programme is a safe and robust perpetrator programme developed in Scotland for the Scottish context.

"I am absolutely delighted that the programme will now be operating and enhancing the safety of women and children across Scotland."