University adopts gender violence charter in late student's name

A university where a student took her own life has been recognised for its efforts to tackle gender-based violence by a charity set up in her memory.

Emily Drouet, 18, was studying at the University of Aberdeen in 2016 when she was subjected to a campaign of abuse by another undergraduate.

Her mother, Fiona Drouet, later launched EmilyTest and created a gender violence charter.

It has now been adopted by the university in a bid to improve and save lives.

Mrs Drouet told BBC Scotland News: "We do gain huge comfort in knowing that we're doing everything possible - and institutions are doing everything possible - to make sure it doesn’t happen again."

Emily took her own life on 17 March 2016 after being subjected to physical and psychological abuse by another student.

Angus Milligan later admitted choking and slapping her at halls of residence.

Emily, a law student, was found dead several days later.

Milligan pleaded guilty to assault and threatening behaviour and was sentenced to community service in 2017.

The EmilyTest initiative is aimed at ensuring universities and colleges have appropriate measures in place around violence prevention and support.

Ms Drouet believes that if her daughter had been at the University of Aberdeen now, the outcome for her would have been different.

She hopes all Scottish universities and colleges will adopt the charter, and there are also plans to expand it to the rest of the UK.

Ms Drouet said the family was "absolutely delighted" that the University of Aberdeen had now been awarded its charter status.

"They have really gone above and beyond to meet the standards and principles in the charter," she added.

“The University of Aberdeen today is a very different institution from the one Emily attended.

“We firmly believe that if Emily were a student at the university today, the outcome would have been very different."

And she believes the scheme will make a big difference across the country.

Ms Drouet said: "I would imagine in five years time EmilyTest will have a significant presence across the whole of the UK which is fabulous news for students, their parents and guardians and, hopefully, this will never happen again."

Awarded institutions undergo an annual review to ensure they are meeting agreed plans and aligning with all new or emerging national guidance.

Nicholas Edwards is deputy director of people at the University of Aberdeen, and head of student support services.

He told BBC Scotland News: ''Today I think about Emily and her legacy, largely driven by the work of her mum Fiona and EmilyTest."

"It's in her honour that we accept the award."

Mr Edwards said it was the culmination of a collaborative effort by staff, the students' union and other organisations to create an atmosphere on campus designed to combat gender-based violence.

He added: "I hope that were Emily to be student with us today the processes that we've put in place would give her the very best possible option to change the end of that story."

Information and support about suicide and feelings of despair is available at the BBC's Action Line.