Bid to boost safety at university

Emily Drouet’s parents are campaigning to increase the funding granted to universities and colleges to help students affected by genderbased violence. The couple have launched an online petition, which is addressed to Holyrood officials.

The drive has already been backed by more than 200 people, and Mr and Mrs Drouet are eager to rally further support. They believe students should be aware of where to turn if they are experiencing violence at the hands of their partner, and that more counselling should be offered to victims. The couple also want student codes of conduct to reflect a “zero tolerance” approach to attacks.

Mrs Drouet explained their motivation in a moving message on the internet page. She said: “We are tormented by the ‘what ifs’ - we don’t know if Emily would still be with us if university staff had received adequate training in recognising signs of abuse, and had been taught the pathways to follow in such instances.

“The one thing we do know is that this should not happen to any other young girl, to any other family.” People can back the petition at www. you.38degrees.org.uk/ petitions/emilytestsupport-studentsaffected-by-genderbased-violence-1