Scheme to cut abuse expands

A SCHEME aimed at tackling domestic abuse by encouraging perpetrators to change their behaviour is to be expanded across Scotland.

Local authorities will be able to use £2.8 million of funding to roll out the Caledonian System.

The initiative, which offers an alternative to prison, is currently being delivered in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Dumfries and Galloway and North Ayrshire.

More than 1,200 men have participated since 2011.

The programme is not an alternative to prosecution and if it is breached by the perpetrator, the case is returned to court for consideration of whether a separate sentence should be imposed.