Equally Safe in Colleges and Universities
Supporting Scotland’s colleges and universities to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
Rape Crisis Scotland’s Equally Safe in Colleges and Universities (ESCU)
project supports colleges and universities to prevent and respond to
gender-based violence (GBV) in practical, trauma-informed ways.
We work in partnership with institutions and local Rape Crisis Centres to
deliver staff training, student resources, and engagement opportunities.
Our work aligns with Scotland’s Equally Safe strategy and is grounded in
the voices of student survivors.
What ESCU offers:
We offer training to help colleges and universities strengthen their approach to GBV prevention and response:
- First Responder Training (Level 1 and 2) for staff
- Free e-learning module for students on GBV, consent, and healthy
relationships - Local partnerships with Rape Crisis Centres across Scotland
Wider Benefits:
- Survivor-informed, rights-based approach
- Opportunities for student voices to shape national work
- Long-term support to develop more inclusive, safer campus cultures
Training for colleges and universities
Staff Training: First Responder Pathway
Our training builds staff confidence in recognising and responding to disclosures of GBV in a trauma-informed, supportive way.
Level 1: Gender-Based Violence Essentials – First Response & Support
Who it’s for: All college and university staff
Focus: Awareness and basic response skills
You will learn:
-
- The forms and impacts of GBV in education settings
- How to recognise signs of abuse or distress
- What a safe, non-judgemental response looks like
- How to support students in line with trauma-informed practice
Level 2: Enhanced First Responder Training (for Key Staff):
Who it’s for: Staff who have completed Level 1 and who support disclosures
Focus: Deepening skills and confidence
You will explore:
- More complex and ongoing disclosures
- Intersectionality, power, and trauma
- Barriers to disclosure and access to support
- How to embed good practice across your institution
Each level includes practical tools, peer discussion, and scenario-based learning. Training is delivered in collaboration with local Rape Crisis Centres.
📩 Contact:
Andrea Lawrie, ESCU Coordinator
andrea.lawrie@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
Student Support and Engagement
We also offer free resources and meaningful opportunities for student survivors to get involved.
Student E-learning Module
A short, interactive online course introducing:
- Gender-based violence and consent
- Healthy relationships and boundaries
- How to seek support
Available free for all students in participating institutions.
Student Survivor Engagement Project: Findings and Recommendations (2025–2026)
Our Student Survivor Engagement Project invited students and recent graduates to share their experiences of disclosure, reporting and support within Scotland’s colleges and universities.
The findings highlighted positive practice alongside opportunities to strengthen institutional responses to GBV.
Key findings include:
- The importance of compassionate, trauma informed responses from trusted staff
- The need for ongoing practical support beyond initial disclosure and signposting
- The importance of survivor safety, confidentiality and involvement in decisions
- The influence of institutional culture and communication on survivors’ trust and confidence
The report includes recommendations for colleges and universities and will help inform ESCU’s future training, guidance and resources.
Download the Student Survivor Engagement Findings and Recommendations Report (2025–2026) (PDF)
We sincerely thank the students who contributed to this project. Their experiences and perspectives have helped shape the findings and recommendations and will continue to inform ESCU’s work.
For Rape Crisis Centre Staff
Rape Crisis Prevention Workers can join our Train the Trainer pathway to deliver ESCU’s First Responder Training locally.
We offer:
- In-person training with ongoing national support
- Peer learning and support networks
- Practical delivery tools and adaptable session plans
Resources and Downloads
Want to bring ESCU to your college or university?
Whether your institution is just beginning GBV prevention work or looking to build on existing steps, we’d love to support you.
📩 Contact:
Andrea Lawrie, ESCU Coordinator
andrea.lawrie@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
Or connect with your local Rape Crisis Centre: Find your centre here.
