Caledonian System

The Caledonian System is an approach to addressing men's domestic abuse and improving the lives of women, children and men.

The Caledonian Men's Programme aims to help men address behaviours that lead to domestic abuse offending. As part of the programme, men will:

  • be expected to complete preparation sessions before joining the groupwork part of the programme
  • be shown how to make links between their thoughts, feelings and behaviour - the first step in making a positive change
  • work in a group with other men to learn more about how to change their damaging behaviour
  • be expected to respect their fellow group members
  • be expected to take responsibility for their abusive behaviour and not blame their partner/ex-partner
  • after completing the groupwork stage, attend monthly sessions either individually or in a group to maintain the changes they have made

The Caledonian Women's Service will offer support to (ex)-partners attending the Caledonian Men's programme through:

  • advice and practical and emotional support
  • help with safety planning, in relation to the risk posed to the woman and her family, by her (ex) partner
  • advocacy on their behalf, where required
  • help to access other services to support the woman and her children and work with them to keep their children safe
  • answering any questions about the men's programme

The Caledonian Children's Service is offered to children and young people who are living or have lived with men who are attending the Caledonian Men's Programme. It aims to:

  • assess children's needs in relation to the impact of domestic abuse
  • support men/women in developing improved parenting skills/knowledge
  • support men/women to be the best parents they can through sessional inputs where required
  • Men who have completed this type of programme report that they now lead have healthier and less abusive relationships and 96% of women's post intervention responses indicate improvement.

Men who have completed this type of programme report that they now lead have healthier and less abusive relationships and 96% of women's post intervention responses indicate improvement.

Page last updated: 11/05/2022
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