The Caledonian System: Scotland’s National Accredited Domestic Abuse Intervention

The Caledonian System is Scotland’s nationally accredited intervention for men convicted of domestic abuse offences, alongside dedicated support for their (ex) partners and children.

Developed in Scotland and first accredited in 2009, the Caledonian System is now delivered across 23 local authority areas, with further expansion planned.

The programme is delivered by specialist practitioners within Justice Social Work services. It includes a court‑mandated requirement for men convicted of domestic abuse to complete a 24‑month behaviour‑change programme designed to reduce the likelihood of further abusive behaviour. Alongside this, (ex) partners and children are offered a similar period of voluntary, trauma‑informed support.

Community Justice Scotland hosts the Caledonian Central Team, which is responsible for training more than 750 frontline workers nationwide and for the continuous development, improvement, and governance of the system.

Accreditation of programmes like Caledonian is overseen by the Scottish Advisory Panel for Offender Rehabilitation. As part of the five‑year accreditation cycle, the Scottish Government commissions regular independent evaluation to ensure the programme remains evidence‑based, effective, and aligned with national policy and best practice.

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