On May 5, Queen’s announced the hiring of its first dedicated Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Coordinator – Barbara Lotan.

Assuming her role on May 24, Lotan will now be the key point of contact for students, staff and faculty impacted by sexual assault or violence.

In addition to her role as a first responder for survivors, Lotan is tasked with coordinating campus-wide education initiatives, support and training to prevent sexual violence on campus.

Lotan is the first to take on this role at Queen’s as it was created as part of Queen’s official Sexual Assault Policy, which passed though the University’s Board of Trustees on March 4 of this year.

Lotan comes into the role prepared with extensive experience in supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, as well as managing sexual assault policies and programs.

Currently completing her master of arts degree in conflict studies at Saint Paul University, Lotan has accumulated several previous degrees and diplomas.

These include certification in police leadership from Dalhousie University, a B.A. in psychology and criminology from Carleton, and certification from the Canadian Institute of Conflict Resolution.

She has also been involved in an ongoing basis with the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Program at the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital.

However, concerns have arisen about whether the portfolio of the role is too large for a single individual.

In recent months, former AMS Social Issues Commissioner, Emily Wong, and former Rector, Mike Young, both expressed concerns to The Journal about whether one person will be enough to handle the delicate and taxing mandate of the job.

Lotan has worked in several fields that contribute knowledge to her new role at Queen’s, beginning as a Police Constable for the Perth Police Service from 1990-98.

Since then, Lotan has worked as a Child and Youth Worker with the Upper Canada District School Board, a Program and Public Education Coordinator with the Lanark County Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Program, and as a Public Education Coordinator with the Tri-County Sexual Behaviour Program in Lanark, Leeds & Grenville Task Forces.

Lotan was not available for media interviews, but has begun her work in the Human Rights Office on campus. 

Sexual Assault Policy at Queen’s: A Timeline

To see the timeline in full screen, click here.