The University of Aberdeen has been awarded the EmilyTest Charter for its outstanding commitment to gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, intervention, and support.
The charity EmilyTest is dedicated to tackling gender-based violence (GBV) in education.
In a statement announcing the award the charity states: ‘the University of Aberdeen has been awarded the EmilyTest Charter for its outstanding commitment to gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, intervention, and support. This commendable achievement is not only a testament to the University's dedication to building a safe and inclusive campus environment, but it also holds significant personal significance for us as the charity was founded in the name of Emily Drouet, a law student at the University of Aberdeen, who took her own life after a sustained campaign of abuse by a fellow student.’
The evidence-based EmilyTest GBV Charter recognises institutions that demonstrate exceptional efforts in addressing GBV and which promote a culture of support and safety for all students.
Institutions are required to meet 42 minimum standards based on five guiding principles.
The wording of the award continues: ‘seeing the University of Aberdeen undergo such an admirable transformation in GBV prevention, intervention, and support is deeply meaningful. The University of Aberdeen today is a very different institution from the one Emily attended and we are well aware of the extra pressure put on the university as Emily's place of study, hence we are delighted they have achieved this award.’
Fiona Drouet, Emily's mum and the founder and CEO of EmilyTest said: "We firmly believe that if Emily were a student at the University today, the outcome would have been very different. The transformation at the University is astounding, and is a result of a deep commitment by strong and genuine leadership. We believe students will now receive the help, safeguarding and support that Emily so desperately needed. That of course is painful given the enormity of our loss, but we gain comfort from knowing that everything is being done to ensure no other student finds themselves in Emily's shoes, and if they do, they will receive the support they so desperately need.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations and thanks to Nick Edwards and his team for their incredible dedication to developing a safe campus and their unwavering commitment to getting this right for every student. Their tireless efforts have not only earned them this well-deserved recognition but also reaffirm the University of Aberdeen's commitment to creating a campus environment where all individuals feel safe, supported, and empowered. They are a credit to the University and a pleasure to work alongside.”
The EmilyTest Charter is a symbol of excellence in GBV prevention, intervention and support, and the University of Aberdeen's achievement sets an excellent standard for institutions across Scotland, the UK and the world to follow.
Nick Edwards, Deputy Director of People at the University of Aberdeen said: “Achieving the EmilyTest Charter Award is welcome recognition of the hard work being done at the University and I would like to thank all those who continue to support the University's Aberdeen 2040 commitment to promote inclusion and provide support for our community. A special thanks go to Fiona for her steadfast support to me and the team in all the work we do together.
“While this achievement is something to celebrate it only marks a point on our continual journey with regards to tackling Gender Based Violence at the University and by no means the end of it. We commit to continually learning in this area and enhancing our support for victim/survivors. We will never forget Emily or what happened to her in 2016, this fuels our ongoing and unwavering commitment to fight GBV in all its forms.”