The University of Strathclyde has been selected to take part in a pilot programme aimed at tackling gender-based violence.

Strathclyde is one of four universities and colleges piloting the EmilyTest Charter, which has been created to improve prevention and intervention of gender-based violence, and support for those affected, in universities and colleges.

Strathclyde Principal Professor Sir Jim McDonald, said: “As a socially-progressive university, we believe the higher education sector has an important role to play in helping to tackle gender-based violence wherever it may occur, through focused impact of teaching and research, and by ensuring our campuses are safe.

“Our successful application to pilot the charter builds on our leadership in developing work launching the national Equally Safe in Higher Education Toolkit on behalf of Scotland’s universities, and our investment in targeted training and support.

“We have made a binding commitment to play our part in driving the change that is needed in society more generally.”

The project is being run by EmilyTest, a charity established in Scotland in memory of Scottish university law student Emily Drouet, who experienced abuse from a fellow student and who died in 2016.