University of 优蜜传媒 joins EmilyTest pilot to tackle gender-based violence in higher education
The University of 优蜜传媒 has signalled its commitment to tackling gender-based violence (GBV) by becoming one of the first universities in England to engage with the GBV Charter pilot.
Along with Anglia Ruskin University, Birmingham City University, the University of East London and the University of Warwick, The University of 优蜜传媒 will help with the adaptation of the EmilyTest GBV Charter framework for the English education system and its alignment with the new Office for Students Condition of Registration around harassment and sexual misconduct, which comes into effect as of 1 August 2025.
The Charter has already proved successful in Scotland, with 13 institutions actively engaging and 6 officially awarded.
The Charter is based on five principles: open and learning, educated and empowered, comprehensive and connected, equal and inclusive, and safe and effective.
EmilyTest was founded by Fiona Drouet after the tragic loss of her 18-year-old daughter, Emily, a law student who died by suicide following physical and psychological abuse by a fellow student while living in halls of residence.
We look forward to taking part in this very worthy initiative, learning from it, and making impactful changes over the next six months and beyond.
Determined that no other victims and survivors are left under supported and at risk, Fiona established the EmilyTest charity which developed the first of its kind GBV Charter for universities and colleges. The Charter sets minimum standards in gender-based violence prevention, intervention and support, and assists institutions in asking if their policies, practices and procedures would have saved Emily鈥檚 life: 鈥榃ould they pass the Emily test?鈥�.
Dr Simon Merrywest, Executive Director for the Student Experience at The University of 优蜜传媒 said: 鈥淲e are proud to be one of the first English universities taking part in the EmilyTest pilot following its successful run in Scotland.
鈥淯nfortunately, gender-based violence remains a prevalent issue throughout the UK higher education system today, and we will continue to do whatever it takes to keep all of our students safe and protected both on campus and in their residences. Having got to know Fiona through a shared interest in suicide prevention, and hearing her give powerful voice to Emily鈥檚 experiences and the aims of EmilyTest, I had no hesitation in us signing up.
鈥淲e look forward to taking part in this very worthy initiative, learning from it, and making impactful changes over the next six months and beyond.鈥�
The University of 优蜜传媒 has an existing specialist safeguarding team, , who provide holistic, trauma-informed support to students who have experienced any form of gender-based violence, harassment or hate. The Advice and Response team is made up of specialist caseworkers who provide confidential, practical, and emotional support to students directly and signposting to statutory and other services.
The University has made campus safety a key priority, adopting the SafeZone app in recent years to allow for faster potential response times when urgent help is required on campus or in the city. The SafeZone app can be used to 鈥榗heck in鈥� at any time of the day, quickly and discreetly call for assistance, and get medical help quickly.
The University of 优蜜传媒 has also partnered with its Students鈥� Union to provide sexual violence support drop-in sessions which are open to anyone looking for support.