Charity tackling gender-based violence in universities awarded £200,000

EmilyTest, which was set up in memory of undergraduate law student Emily Drouet, helps to promote equality and tackle violence against women and girls.

The funding will support the charity’s work, including further engagement on its charter containing specific measures for educational institutions.

Rape Crisis Scotland will also receive £45,000 for the current financial year to fund work with colleges and universities intended to prevent violence.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Violence against women and girls remains a blight on our society and societies around the world. In some cases, it can lead to young lives being cut tragically short. That was what happened to Emily Drouet. Emily’s mother Fiona has undertaken remarkable work in her daughter’s memory.

“I am proud that the Scottish government helped EmilyTest create its Gender-Based Violence Charter, the only initiative of its kind in the UK. Given their obligation to keep students safe, I am pleased that many of Scotland’s colleges and universities have engaged with the charter, with seven of them now having received their Charter Award.”

Founder and CEO of EmilyTest Fiona Drouet said: “With support from the Scottish government, we are able to help institutions take meaningful action in prevention, intervention, and support, applying our evidence-based framework to ensure minimum standards across the country. Early evaluation shows this work is driving meaningful change in policy and practice, and that wouldn’t be possible without the steadfast commitment of our government.”