EmilyTest | News/Blog

Office for Students sexual misconduct survey 2025: Analysis of student groups and study contexts

Seana Watt — Thu, 14 May 2026 10:06:00 +0100

New Data from England’s Higher Education sector shows sexual misconduct remains widespread among students

The Office for Students has released a follow-up analysis to the 2025 Sexual Misconduct Survey, examining how sexual misconduct, reporting behaviour and confidence in reporting vary across different student groups and study contexts.

EmilyTest GBV Charter England Launch

Seana Watt — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:33:00 +0100

We are delighted to announce that EmilyTest is hosting a free webinar to officially launch the GBV Charter for Universities in England!

Following the successful pilot in 2025 with five universities across England to adapt the GBV Charter framework to the English university context, we are delighted to be widening its reach. We are therefore hosting a free launch webinar on Thursday 21 May 2026, from 10:00–11:45am.

Lee Milne sentenced to 8 years in prison in first of its kind case in Scotland

Seana Watt — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:47:00 +0100

On the 10th of April 2026, Lee Milne was sentenced to 8 years in prison for culpable homicide after 18 months of domestic abuse led to his wife’s suicide. He was also convicted of engaging in a course of abusive behaviour towards Kimberly.

The court heard how sustained coercive and controlling behaviour had a profound impact on her mental health, ultimately contributing to her death.

This is a landmark case in Scotland - the first time someone has been convicted of culpable homicide in connection with a domestic abuse-related suicide, setting an important legal precedent.

Domestic Homicide and Suicide Reviews

Seana Watt — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:34:00 +0100

The Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Act 2025 came into effect on 1st April 2026 - here’s what it means for Scotland.

What are these reviews?

A Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review is:

University of Bristol - Bridging the Evidence Gap: Exploration of Domestic Abuse and Suicide

Seana Watt — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:34:00 +0100

On Tuesday, our Founder and CEO, Fiona, spoke at a University of Bristol event exploring the link between domestic abuse and suicide.

The event brought together voices from across research, practice, and lived experience. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to dedicate their time and energy to such vital work.

With more than 300 people in attendance, it was a space filled with compassion, urgency, and a shared commitment to change.

Thank you so much to Rhianna Dorrion for organising such an important event, and to the University of Bristol Centre for Crime, Law and Society for hosting!

Abuser convicted of killing wife who jumped to her death in first of its kind case

Seana Watt — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:53:00 +0000

At last - the first case in Scotland where an abuser is convicted of killing his wife after she takes her own life.

So many women are driven to the point of feeling living isn’t an option, feeling the abuse and pain will never end.

Abusers know what they are doing, they see they are killing a person yet choose to continue. Until now, they did that with little to no consequences, but hopefully no longer!

We are so sorry this has happened, another beautiful life taken - we are thinking of Kimberley and her loved ones.

Glasgow Caledonian University signs up to the EmilyTest Charter

Seana Watt — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:07:00 +0000

We are delighted to welcome Glasgow Caledonian University who are now working towards our GBV Charter!

L.I.S.T.E.N. GBV Risk-Assessment Training (CPD) - Evaluation and Development Report

Seana Watt — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:14:00 +0000

We’re delighted to share that the first L.I.S.T.E.N. Training Evaluation Report is now live on our website!

Non-Fatal Strangulation as a Standalone Offence - Why it’s Needed in Scotland

Seana Watt — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:32:00 +0000

A common argument against making non-fatal strangulation a standalone offence in Scotland is that it’s already covered by existing law, namely common assault. However, this hasn’t stopped other serious crimes from being recognised in law - as highlighted below:

2,000+ people trained in L.I.S.T.E.N. GBV Risk-Assessment Training

Seana Watt — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:36:00 +0000

We are thrilled to share that over 2,000 people have been L.I.S.T.E.N. trained!

This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our trainers and the commitment of our attendees in creating safer, more supportive environments for those who need support.

A huge thank to everyone who has contributed, attended, and championed this training - your engagement is, by no exaggeration, life saving.

For more information and how to enquire, please click here.

Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2026

Seana Watt — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:56:00 +0000

Today marks the beginning of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2026.

While awareness weeks like these create space for important conversations and progress, sexual abuse and sexual violence do not exist within a single week. These harms can happen to anyone, and the impacts are ongoing - so our commitment to supporting victim/survivors must continue.

Real change happens when we continue to listen, advocate and stand with those affected - today and every day.

For available support resources, please visit our website here.

CEO Statement - FOI Statistics

Seana Watt — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:50:00 +0000

Drawing firm conclusions from FOI statistics would be misleading, inaccurate and irresponsible. Higher reporting figures often reflect stronger student trust and clearer, centralised data collection rather than higher levels of harm. Very low or absent figures, however, give cause for concern, as no university is exempt from these harms. What truly matters is the sustained effort, clear prioritisation and long-term commitment required to deliver meaningful prevention, effective intervention, and consistent support across an institution.

Emily’s 28th birthday

Seana Watt — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:48:00 +0000

Happy birthday to our darling girl, on your “golden” birthday, 28 years old on the 28th! We wish with all of our hearts we were celebrating together. Not buying presents for you on your birthday will never feel natural, neither will not watching you blow out your candles or not seeing your beautiful and excited smile light up the room!

Words will never be enough to say how deeply you are missed, or how broken our hearts are living without you. I have never wished more for heaven to exist. Hopefully today you’ll be surrounded by love and fun and one day you’ll be able to tell us all about the birthdays we’ve missed spending together.

Love you Emily Pemily - to eternity and beyond! xx

Independent School GBV Charter Pilot

Seana Watt — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 10:41:00 +0000

At EmilyTest, we know that working with young people is key to prevention. That’s why we’re delighted to announce that, following ongoing conversations across the sector, we are extending our GBV Charter to independent schools!

Subject to funding, we hope this initiative can be rolled out nationwide, supporting more schools to take a proactive approach to preventing gender-based violence.

We want to thank Hutchesons Grammar School’ for their ongoing collaboration and for piloting this work - their leadership and commitment have been invaluable in shaping the next phase of this work.

For enquiries or to find out more, please contact charter@emilytest.org

EmilyTest Network - Information Webinar

Seana Watt — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:51:00 +0000

Following the launch of the EmilyTest Network, we are delighted to share that we are hosting a free, online webinar on Thursday 19th February!

During the event, we will be sharing more information about the Network’s creation and development, its benefits and how to join.

For more information and how to book a ticket, please visit the link below:

Tackling GBV on Campus - new requirements for colleges and universities introduced

Seana Watt — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:07:00 +0000

This year marks 10 years since the loss of Emily. As you can imagine, our Founder & CEO, Fiona Drouet, has been reflecting on the progress made over the past decade.

While some universities and colleges, especially those we work closely with, have taken important steps forward, too many have yet to make meaningful change.

Fiona brought this Bill forward to ensure no student is disadvantaged because of where they study, and she is delighted to see this commitment introduced into legislation.

Thank you to the Scottish Government, Ben Macpherson and Pam Gosal for your support - this truly is life changing legislation.

EmilyTest 2025 Highlights

Seana Watt — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:50:00 +0000

As 2025 draws to a close, we’ve been reflecting on what an incredible year it’s been!

From launching petitions, Networks, and our School Charter, to developing a GBV module and concluding our GBV Charter Pilot in England - this year has been full of meaningful action and progress.

We’re so proud of everything we’ve achieved together and can’t wait to see the change we’ll continue to drive in 2026.

Fiona Drouet Awarded Honorary Doctorate from University of Aberdeen

Seana Watt — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:43:00 +0000

We are thrilled to share that our Founder and CEO, Fiona Drouet, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Aberdeen in recognition of her tireless commitment to tackling gender-based violence in education.

This feels particularly poignant, as Emily studied Law and French at the same university. The progress the institution has made since then is remarkable, and we are deeply grateful to the dedicated team whose hard work has helped drive such meaningful change.

This honour is so well-deserved, and we know Emily would be incredibly proud of her mum.

Sexism and Sexual Violence Towards Medical Students - British Medical Association (BMA) Report

Seana Watt — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:31:00 +0000

Hundreds of medical students report being victims of sexual misconduct and institutional neglect in UK-wide British Medical Association (BMA) survey exposing widespread sexism and sexual violence whilst studying medicine.

EmilyTest GBV Conference is CPD-accredited!

Seana Watt — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 11:57:00 +0000

We are delighted to announce that our upcoming GBV Conference meets the high standards for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This recognition reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based learning that supports professional growth across the sector.