The Caledonian System

The Caledonian System is an integrated approach to addressing domestic abuse perpetrated by adult male offenders and improving the lives of women and children. The system was developed to replace several local authority initiatives previously in place and has been in operation since 2009.

The Caledonian System takes the form of an intervention system comprising of:

• The Men’s Service – which provides a programme of work with male perpetrators of domestic abuse lasting at least two years, which includes preparation and motivation sessions; a group work programme of twenty-five sessions and post group work. This is delivered by trained social workers
• The Women’s Service – which provides a safety planning, information, advice and emotional support to female partners and ex-partners. This can be delivered by trained social workers or in partnership with third parties such as Women’ Aid
• The Children’s Service – which ensures that the needs of the children whose parents are involved with the Caledonian are met and their rights upheld. Internal and external protocols, coupled with training, have been designed to maximise women and children’s safety

The programme is delivered by a Caledonian Central Team based within Community Justice Scotland (CJS) who provide oversight and training.

Criminal.Justice@dumgal.gov.uk

01387 273759

The Caledonian Men’s Programme helps men address behaviours that lead to domestic abuse offending. Men will: be expected to complete preparation sessions before joining groupwork; be shown how to make links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviour; the first step in making positive change; work in a group with other men to learn how to change their damaging behaviour; be expected to respect fellow group members; be expected to take responsibility for their abusive behaviour, not blame their partner/ex-partner; after completing groupwork stage, attend monthly sessions individually or in a group to maintain the changes they have made.

The Women’s Service is voluntary, offering support to (ex)-partners attending the Caledonian Men’s programme through: advice, practical and emotional support; help with safety planning, in relation to risk posed to women and their families; advocacy on their behalf; access other services for support and work with them to keep their children safe; answering questions about the men’s programme.

The Children’s Service is offered to children who are living/have lived with men attending Caledonian. Aims to: assess children’s needs re the impact of domestic abuse; support men/women develop improved parenting skills/knowledge.