KINGLASSIE MSP, Jenny Gilruth, has welcomed £2.8 million of Scottish Government funding to expand a 'pioneering' programme that has been proven to change the behaviour of domestic abuse perpetrators.

Set to be rolled out across six local authorities, including the Fife Council region, the Caledonian System is a specialist, court-mandated scheme to combat domestic abuse through the rehabilitation of male perpetrators, and works to improve the lives of the women and children affected.

The Scottish Government investment will see the programme’s potential capacity to reach offenders double across Scotland.

Commenting on the announcement, Glenrothes and Mid Fife MSP, Jenny Gilruth said: “Domestic violence impacts on every community across Scotland.

"Focussing on breaking the pattern of abuse is fundamental in securing the future safety of victims.

“Funding from the Scottish Government will enable Fife Council to develop their existing services and commitment themselves to tackling domestic abuse at its core.

“Evidence shows offenders who have completed this programme posed a lower risk to their families while women felt safer".

Ms Gilruth added: “It is a top priority for the Scottish Government to tackle violence against women and the expansion of this programme to six local authorities is one of the measures that have been put in place to protect victims and hold perpetrators to account".