I am a third year Theology student from the University of Edinburgh navigating a journey of healing and recovery. I carry the weight of being a survivor of domestic abuse, inflicted upon me by a fellow student. Now, I am pushing for a change that will better arm universities to offer appropriate support to those with similar experiences.

As a survivor, I can attest to both the emotional burden and the stigma surrounding domestic abuse. We need more than empathy - we need educated and reliable points of contact within our institutions.

Currently, it's not mandatory for student advisors at UK universities to undergo specialised training in understanding and dealing with issues related to domestic abuse. This lack of formal education undoubtedly impacts the quality and effectiveness of the support provided to students like myself in critical need of guidance and help.

UK National Statistics show that domestic abuse-related offenses represented approximately one-third of violent crime reported to the police in the year ending March 2019 (Office for National Statistics, 2019). In England and Wales alone, 7 per cent of full-time female students say they experienced domestic abuse at the hands of their partner in the 12 months to March last year, analysis of Crime Survey data shows. The domestic abuse figures for female students are higher than for women in employment (4 per cent) and much higher than for male full-time students (1 per cent), pointing to the vulnerability of female students living away from home for the first time. These figures likely undervalue the actual prevalence, especially among university students where silence and fear often deter victims from reporting such offences. 

I would also like to pay tribute to Emily Drouet, an undergraduate law student at The University of Aberdeen, who took her own life after being subjected to a campaign of gender-based violence by another student.

Putting this in perspective, we can see the relevance and magnitude of the issue. Therefore, I implore the education sector, particularly universities, to make Domestic Abuse awareness and sensitivity training compulsory for all student advisors. This will arm these critical support figures with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively aid students embroiled in such traumatic situations.

We must fight for a safer, more understanding environment in our educational institutions. I, with your support, want to ensure that no more students suffer silently or without needed academic and emotional support. Please sign this petition. Make this crucial change. Advance protective measures for students nationwide.