Cards aimed at ending gender-based violence in Scottish universities and colleges have been launched in Moray.
The drive has been inspired by the death of Emily Drouet – who took her own life at Aberdeen University halls of residence in 2016 after being bullied by her boyfriend.
Angus Milligan was later convicted of carrying out a campaign of abuse against the 18-year-old and was sentenced to 180 hours of unpaid work and was given a one-year supervision order.
Now Miss Drouet’s mother Fiona has inspired the new cards in order to provide information on where to seek help from for those who find themselves in similar situations.
Yesterday, the Scottish Government’s minister for further and higher education, Richard Lochhead, launched the cards in the north-east while visiting Moray College UHI in Elgin – describing them as a “valuable resource”.
>> Keep up to date with the latest news with The P&J newsletter
He said: “It is vital that we work with our universities and colleges so that they are safe places for students and I am grateful to Fiona Drouet for her vision and commitment to making these cards a reality.
“I hope they will empower staff to give advice on where students can access help and contribute to a culture that is clear in its condemnation of gender based violence and gives people confidence to report unacceptable behaviour.”
More than 100,000 of the cards have been distributed across the country to staff so they have details for specialist support to pass to students.
It is estimated that up to 75,000 employees in universities and colleges could receive information about violence or witness the acts of aggression.
The cards are designed to pass details on where to get help from quickly to potential victims.
Ms Drouet said: “I hope the cards will help to bridge gaps and, if used effectively, have the potential to save lives.
“They have come too late for Emily but we hope staff will embrace this resource by keeping it on their person at all times and never underestimating the difference it could make to someone’s life.
“We hope they will offer a much needed lifeline to victims and survivors.”
Shuwanna Aaron, NUS Scotland’s women’s officer, said: “It’s crucial staff and students alike know where to go to report gender based violence, get support, and feel confident in doing so.”
