On 23 September, University of Edinburgh students from three societies protested the institution’s treatment of survivors of gender-based violence in Bristo Square under the slogan, “We’ve had enough”.
Organised by the Edinburgh University Feminist Society (EUFS), Sex? On Campus!, and Girl* Up, it follows a series of similar protests by the societies dating back to 2022.
Announcing the protest on Instagram, EUFS said:
“We have asked, we have demanded, we have pleaded for better.”
In the post, the society alleged that the university’s upper management had assured them that it would work with them to “do better”, adding that:
“They’ve cancelled the follow up meetings, they’ve postponed, they’ve told us there will be months between meetings. In the meantime, nothing has changed.”
Speaking at the protest, EUFS’ fundraising coordinator, Syjil Ramjuthan, claimed that university staff lack sufficient training for dealing with survivors of gender-based violence.
This claim is also made in an open letter by the three societies addressed to the University of Edinburgh earlier this year, which has accumulated 210 signatories.
The letter criticised the Equally Safe Team – a team within the university’s Wellbeing Service tasked with supporting victims of Gender-Based Violence – saying that:
“[The specialist team] does not approach survivors with the sensitivity and respect they deserve.”
It also alleged that the team’s leader was not required to complete “any additional training” upon gaining the position.
The letter also claimed that University of Edinburgh staff have discouraged students from “going to the police.”
Speaking to The Student earlier this year, a campaigner from Sex? On Campus! said that the university dissuaded them and others from going to the police as it would make evidence inaccessible to the university’s investigation.
They added that:
“Even if that’s not their intent, they’re still putting people in danger by allowing these people to run around for a little bit longer, which is so frustrating.
“They should [realise that] because these are the staff members that should have sufficient training, and the university should be providing that”.
In the closing remarks of her speech during the protest, Syjil said:
“Education must be liberating otherwise scholars will learn to become oppressors. It is no surprise to see which side of that the University of Edinburgh has fallen to.
“Your defence is weak, it crumbles, we are strong, we are tired, we all the braver for being here – for wanting to be here even if you cannot – for continuing all the same.”
“We deserve better.”
A University of Edinburgh spokesperson told The Student that:
“The safety of our students and staff is our absolute priority and we take our responsibility in tackling all forms of violence, abuse and harassment on our campuses very seriously.
“We do not discourage or prevent students from reporting any incident to the Police and we will actively provide information and guidance for those who wish to do so.”
They said that the university has updated their procedures in response to student feedback, adding that:
“We continue to listen to views from our community on what changes can be made to refine our processes and support and ensure that everyone feels safe and protected.”
The final two speakers at the protest spoke about their personal experiences with sexual violence.
One speaker alleged that – after being assaulted on the dancefloor of the Edinburgh nightclub Why Not – she reported the incident to a security officer who “kicked” her “out on the grounds of causing a hysterical disturbance.”
In response to the allegation, a spokesperson for Why Not told The Student:
“We take claims of this nature very seriously.
“If we are able to obtain more details, we will conduct a full investigation and take any necessary action.
“We take immediate and necessary actions, which include apprehending perpetrators and, where appropriate, supporting prosecution.
“Regarding preventative measures, we invest heavily in training our staff and security personnel to handle incidents like this.”
After the speeches, the crowd marched to Old College and launched into several chants including: “We feel cheated, you tell lies, Edi Uni apologise” and “Here is where we should feel the safest; Edi Uni protects rapists”.
Images Via Ellen Breen