Domestic abuse rehabilitation scheme expanded across Scotland
Areas across Scotland could benefit from a “ground-breaking” domestic abuse initiative following a £2.8 million funding injection.
From Tuesday (April 17), local authorities have been able to apply for a share of the budget to support their roll out of the ‘Caledonian System’ – a court-mandated initiative to rehabilitate male domestic violence perpetrators.
More than 1,200 men are thought to have participated in the project since 2011, while it has offered support to 1,230 women over the same period.
The Scottish government claims domestic abuse levels remain “unacceptably high” and hopes more council areas will now start using the rehabilitation programme.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said attitudes towards domestic violence in Scotland need to change.
“The Caledonian System has been running in parts of Scotland and the evidence indicates that men who completed the programme posed a lower risk to partners, children and others by the end of the programme. Women also reported that they felt safer,” 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.”
The Caledonian System offers an alternative to jail or community disposals following a domestic abuse conviction.
Offenders are enrolled on a minimum two-year work scheme where they undergo preparation and motivation sessions to attempt to change their behaviour.
Women and children are also offered support and advice to reduce their vulnerability in the future.
The Scottish government stressed the programme is not an alternative to prosecution.
It is already being delivered in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Dumfries and Galloway and North Ayrshire.
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.”