An initiative that will see 100,000 cards with details of support services for victims of gender-based violence distributed to FE and HE staff formally launches in Edinburgh today.

The idea for the project, which aims to support all college and university staff in Scotland in handling disclosures of gender-based violence, came from Fiona Drouet, mother of Emily Drouet, who took her own life having experienced a campaign of gender-based violence whilst a student at university - prompting her mother to found the #EmilyTest campaign.

The cards offer the basic information needed to quickly refer someone experiencing any form of gender-based violence to specialist services. Many colleges and universities have also customised their cards to include details of the support services available on campus. Over 100,000 cards have been printed and distributed to every college and university across Scotland. The cards fit into wallets, purses and staff ID badges.

‘Too late for Emily’

The cards were developed with input from Fiona Drouet, NUS Scotland, staff and students at universities and colleges across Scotland, the representative bodies of colleges and universities. Women’s organisations and the Equally Safe Team at the University of Strathclyde also offered guidance.

Ms Drouet said she hoped the support cards will help to bridge gaps and, if used effectively, could have the potential to save lives. “This is a positive step towards safeguarding students and staff alike. While many students will hopefully benefit from the increased awareness this new tool provides, staff are currently vulnerable to receiving disclosures with the absence of appropriate training.

“These cards 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/survivors.”