Violence Against Women Expert Farrah Khan Joins Ryerson University

New role further demonstrates university's commitment to sexual violence support and education

TORONTO, Oct. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Farrah Khan, social worker, advocate and co-chair of Ontario's Roundtable on Violence Against Women, has joined Ryerson University as its inaugural coordinator of sexual violence education and support.

With over 16 years of experience as a social worker, Khan is recognized for her leadership and collaborative approach to addressing the systemic, community and personal barriers that survivors of sexual violence face.  In March 2015, she was named co-chair of the provincial roundtable on Violence Against Women, tasked with coordinating high-level discussions with multiple stakeholders to review and monitor existing policies and procedures to address forms of gender-based violence.

"Farrah brings with her not only her professional experience as a trauma counsellor and advocate but a unique perspective from the provincial consultations," said Mohamed Lachemi, provost and vice president academic, Ryerson University.

Ryerson established the Office of Sexual Violence Support and Education in summer 2015 to support students, faculty and staff. The office - and a new single policy on sexual violence - were two of several recommendations made after a review of existing practices and protocols, and community consultations.

"It is an honour to join Ryerson," said Khan. "I'm looking forward to collaborating across the university community to initiate and implement a campus-wide program that is anchored on a feminist, anti-racist and anti-oppressive framework."

Khan has worked with many post-secondary institutions to address rape culture and sexual violence through programs, lectures, workshops, and training. She has a deep understanding of the needs of the Ryerson community having previously worked in partnership with the Ryerson Centre for Student Development and Counselling, guest lecturing in various classes, as well as working closely with the Ryerson Students' Unions on consent culture programming.

At the Schlifer Clinic, Khan created and managed, "Outburst!" a program that addresses violence against diverse young Muslim women. Additionally she has worked with health, education and government partners to create large-scale education programs including a guide for Canadian media for reporting on sexual violence.

Khan's leadership and commitment have been recognized with several awards from organizations such as the the Canadian Women's Foundation, the Toronto Community Foundation and the Canadian Council of Muslim Women. She received her MSW from the University of Toronto and BA from York University. Khan will take a leave of absence from her current role with the Barbra Schlifer

SOURCE Ryerson University

Media Contact: Johanna VanderMaas, Ryerson University, 416.979.5000 x4630, [email protected]