Forcible: Any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent; or

Non-forcible: Unlawful, non-forcible sexual intercourse
Sexual assault is any unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature, whether by an acquaintance or by a stranger, that occurs without indication of consent of both individuals, or that occurs under threat or coercion. Sexual assault can occur either forcibly and/or against a person's will, or when a person is incapable of giving consent if under 18 years of age; if intoxicated by drugs and/or alcohol; if developmentally disabled; or if temporarily or permanently mentally or physically unable to do so.
Sexual assault includes but is not limited to, rape, forcible sodomy, forcible oral copulation, sexual assault with an object, sexual battery, forcible fondling (e.g., unwanted touching or kissing for purposes of sexual gratification), or threat of sexual assault.

Additional offenses may include cases of coercion, harassment, or intimidation.

If you are a person who has experienced or thinks they have experienced a sexual offense

If you are a person who has experienced or thinks they have experienced a sexual offense, DePaul University is committed to offering a secure and supportive environment in which to consider all the options that are available to you including (but not limited to) medical attention and evaluation, obtaining information, support and counseling, and/or reporting. It should be noted that some of these options offer confidentiality while other services are required by law to report the sexual offense. A person, who has experienced a sexual offense, whether rape or another unwanted sexual contact, is urged to make a report to the Public Safety Office (Lincoln Park campus 773/325-777, Loop campus 312/362-8400) or Dean of Students Office (77/325-7290). Please note that the Public Safety Office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When a report is received all internal and external options will be reviewed with the individual including contacting the Chicago Police, community sexual assault agencies and DePaul University Counseling Services. A person who has experienced or thinks they have experienced a sexual offense is encouraged to report such an incident to the Chicago Police. In addition, persons will be encouraged to file a report with Public Safety and/or the Dean of Student office. A report allows the individual to access the full range of disciplinary options at DePaul University regardless of what legal proceedings the individual might choose.

1. Medical Treatment
A person who has experienced a sexual offense is urged to seek an appropriate medical evaluation as promptly as possible. Medical treatment may include treatment of injuries endured during the event, treatment of STDs, the implementation of a full examination for the collection of physical evidence should a person later decide to pursue a criminal prosecution and/or civil action. In addition, medical treatment will provide the individual with additional support service information. Medical treatment is generally considered confidential.

Local Contacts:
Sage Medical Group
1150 West Fullerton, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60614
773/549-7757

Lincoln Park Hospital
550 West Webster Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
773/883-2000

Rape Victim Advocates
228 South Wabash, Suite 240
Chicago, IL 60604
312/663-6303
www.rapevictimadvocates.org

2. Information, Support and Counseling
Whether or not one makes a report, a person who has experienced a sexual offense is encouraged to obtain information, support and counseling. Counselors, who offer confidential counseling, are available both on and off campus 24 hours a day. These counselors can help a person decide what steps the individual wants to take, such as seeking medical attention, preserving evidence, reporting to authorities and regaining a sense of safety and control. Resources are available on campus and off campus include the following:

Please note that by dialing Public Safety at 773/325-7777, you can access any University office listed below 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

University Counseling Services, Lincoln Park Campus
Centennial Hall
2345 North Sheffield Avenue, 3rd Floor
773/325-7779
CONFIDENTIAL

University Counseling Services, Loop Campus
DePaul Center
1 East Jackson Boulevard, 1101
CONFIDENTIAL

Rape Victim Advocates
228 South Wabash Avenue, Suite 240
Chicago, IL 60604
Specifically provides medical advocacy and other forms of advocacy.
www.rapevictimadvocates.org

Public Safety
Centennial Hall
2345 North Sheffield Avenue, 3rd Floor
773/325-7777

Dean of Students Office
Student Center
2250 North Sheffield Avenue, 307
773/325-7290

DePaul Center, 11007
312/362-8054

For a person who has experienced a sexual offense support might also come from a friend, a faculty member, a staff member, a Resident Advisor, or other office such as University Ministry (773/325-7902), or the Women's Center (773/325-7558). Additional community resources are available at any of the offices listed above. GETTING SUPPORT IS ESSENTIAL.

3. Filing a Report of a Sexual Offense
A person who has experienced a sexual offense is encouraged to make a report. This report serves as a means of documenting the incident and allows for immediate response by the Public Safety Office, the Dean of Students Office and/or the Chicago Police. Please note that these offices are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A person who has experienced a sexual offense is encouraged to report such an incident to the Chicago Police. To make a report please contact:

Public Safety
Centennial Building, 3rd Floor
773/325-7777

Dean of Students Office
Student Center 307
773/325-7290

DePaul Center 11007
312/362-8054

The University Judicial process that would be followed once a report is filed is outlined in pages 41-56. This process is completely separate from any criminal or civil actions that individual who has been assaulted might pursue. Possible outcomes of violations of the sexual offense policy may include termination and/or dismissal. The Student Handbook includes the procedures, as well as a list of some of the penalties and sanctions that may be imposed upon the conclusion of a disciplinary proceeding involving a sexual assault.

Any special accommodations that might be necessary including changing of classes, moving residence halls, arranging for escorts, etc., are handled by the Dean of Students Office.

4. Crime Victim's Compensation Law
Under the Crime Victim's Compensation Law, a person who has experienced a sexual offense may be eligible for support services and medical reimbursement if he/she reports the crime within 72 hours and fully cooperates with law enforcement.

Review of Procedures if a Sexual Assault Occurs:

1. Person is encouraged to get to a safe place.

2. Person is advised to seek medical treatment and  preserve all evidence for proof of criminal act.

3. Person is recommended to seek support, information and counseling.

4. Person is encouraged to consider filing a report.

Educational Programs

1. In cooperation with Chicago police authorities, the university provides rape awareness, education and prevention/proactive presentations each year to members of the university community, including students.

2. Residence Education coordinates and provides special sexual offense prevention programs to resident students.

3. The Student Affairs Division and the Public Safety Office coordinates and provides crime awareness programs aimed at incoming freshmen, transfer and commuter students.

4. Brochures dealing with acquaintance rape and other sexual offenses are available through Student Affairs, Residence Education, Women's Center, and the Public Safety Office.