Mum of abused Aberdeen student says proposed domestic violence reforms will ‘save lives’

TW: Suicide, domestic violence

Proposed reforms by the Scottish Government aimed at reducing the number of deaths from domestic violence “can save lives,” according to Fiona Drouet, the mother of Emily Drouet, an Aberdeen University student who took her own life after suffering spousal abuse.

Emily, 18, a law student, was physically and psychologically abused by her on-off boyfriend, Angus Milligan, a fellow Aberdeen student and course mate. He slapped, choked, and sent her threatening messages in the days leading up to her death in 2016.

He was sentenced to 180 hours of community service for assault and threatening behaviour.

Recalling the moment she received the devastating news, Fiona shared with the BBC, that when the police first called her, she thought it was something minor.

“I imagined perhaps my business had been broken into, as had happened before,” she explained.

But upon hearing the real reason, the impact was immediate: “I can’t put it into words. It’s like somebody ripping you open […] but at the same time, you’re thinking: ‘It’s OK, this can’t be happening, there’s been a mistake.'”

Fiona explained she had no idea how serious Emily’s relationship troubles were until it was too late. She said: “She was a normal young girl, loving life, loving university, and making new friends. This call was the first glimpse I got into how bad things had been.”

Now, she is advocating for new legislation that could prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies. The proposed bill, which could introduce panels to review deaths linked to abusive relationships—whether by homicide or suicide—seeks to give a “clearer picture of victims” lives and the abuse they faced.

Fiona told the BBC: “What I want it to achieve is saving lives, and I think we can save lives.

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“When you lose your child you’re plunged into darkness, utter hell, and to try and then form an investigation to look at what went wrong shouldn’t be down to a grieving family.

“These reviews are absolutely essential in Scotland I’m heartened we’re doing this – it’s too late for our family but not too late for others.”

The bill would establish panels to review cases of domestic violence, potentially flagging warning signed missed by support services.

Fiona believes the legislation, part of the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill, could also help friends, families, and colleagues raise concerns about abusive relationships before it’s too late. Whilst the full details are yet to be released, it has been noted that the process would not interfere with fatal accident enquiries or court cases.

Angela Constance, Scotland’s Justice Secretary, announced the legislation at Holyrood Park, where she unveiled a memorial cairn dedicated to Margaret Hall, a women murdered by her husband in 1720. Angela described the reforms as “important,” emphasising victims’ families would be central to the review process.

Professor John Devaney, the dean and head of school at Edinburgh University’s school of social and political science, also worked on the legislation. He said victims’ families would be at the centre of the process.

If you need assistance surrounding any of the themes mentioned, you can access domestic violence support here, and mental health support here.

Featured image via YouTube and Facebook

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