Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford and Public Safety Convener on Stirling Council, Councillor Maureen Bennison, have welcomed the announcement of a £2.8 million fund to help tackle domestic abuse in Scotland.
The fund is available to local authorities to apply for in order to support the rollout of the Caledonian System – a ground-breaking initiative to combat domestic abuse.
The Caledonian System is a specialist court mandated programme, working with male perpetrators, and aims to improve the lives of women and children who have been affected by domestic abuse.
Commenting, Bruce Crawford said:
“Attitudes towards domestic abuse have changed dramatically in recent decades – it is no longer acceptable to turn a blind eye or not to talk about this serious subject.
“However, victims are often too afraid to report domestic abuse.
“The Caledonian System has been running in parts of Scotland and is a demonstration of the need to take case-specific approaches that support victims of domestic abuse and children from within families where such abuse occurs.”
Councillor Maureen Bennison said:
“By working with those who have been convicted of domestic abuse, the Caledonian System helps them recognise their abuse, take responsibility for their behaviour, and reduce reoffending.
“This is not a replacement for punishments such as prison sentences, however, working with those who are convicted as well as victims can help to ease the impact the abuse has had.
“I have spoken with Council Officers and I know that Stirling Council will continue to apply to this fund so that victims and families affected by domestic abuse across the Stirling area can be supported in this way when faced with horrific circumstances.”
