Sexual Offense Policy
DePaul University is committed to providing and maintaining a healthy learning and working environment for all students, staff and faculty members. In accordance with DePaul's Catholic and Vincentian values and its role as an educational institution, the university condemns any form of sexual violence. Further, the university is dedicated to providing both prevention programming and referral services for all members of its community. This document is generally intended to outline university policies, procedures, disciplinary actions, programs, and prevention efforts regarding sexual violence.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, DePaul University is required to report certain sexual offenses occurring on or near campus to the proper municipal authority.  The survivor has the choice of whether or not to file a report and/or to proceed with legal action.  Students should consult the DePaul Crime Reporting policy for more information. This policy can be found on the University Secretary’s website at https://policies.depaul.edu/Default.aspx.

Sexual Offense Definition
A sex offense is defined by the National Incident-Based Reporting System, published by the FBI, as either:

Forcible: Any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person's will not-forcibly where the victim is incapable of giving consent; or

Non-forcible: Unlawful, non-forcible sexual intercourse
Sexual offenses include but are not limited to, forcible rape, forcible sodomy (oral or anal intercourse), sexual assault with an object, forcible fondling, incest, and statutory rape.or threat of sexual assault.

At DePaul, a sexual offense 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. 

If you wish to have more information as to laws in the State of Illinois, please contact the Office of Sexual Violence Support Services at 773-325-7295.

University Policy
Sexual offenses, as well as threats of sexual offenses and intimidation through threats of sexual offenses, are prohibited by DePaul University.
DePaul recognizes that there are many ways to perpetrate sexual violence.  Incidents may occur through physical force, intimidation, manipulation and coercion.  This may include the voluntary or involuntary use of drugs and/or alcohol that renders the survivor unable to give consent.  Sexual offenses can occur within personal relationships, including those that are intimate, professional, familial, or friendly.  Sexual offenses involving strangers constitutes only a small percentage of cases.    It is important to remember that there is nothing a person can do to deserve or provoke a sexual offense.
If a student chooses to pursue the Judicial Review Process with respect to sexual violence, the University will ensure that the hearing officers are educated on sexual offenses before the process begins to ensure that the case is handled with sensitivity.
Upon request the Dean of Students office may accommodate changing classes, moving residence halls, and arranging for escorts.

Reporting Sexual Abuse & Sexual Assault
If you are a person who has experienced or thinks you have experienced a sexual offense, DePaul is committed to offering a secure and supportive environment in which to consider all available options.  The Office of Sexual Violence Support Services is available for students to ask questions, discuss their experience, and request referrals.  Referrals may include medical attention and evaluation; obtaining information; support and counseling; and reporting. It should be noted that the Office of Sexual Violence Support Services is also compelled to comply with laws that require the reporting of certain sexual offenses occurring on or near campus to the proper municipal authority.

A person who has been sexually offended is encouraged to make a report to the Public Safety Office (Lincoln Park campus 773/325-7777, Loop campus 312/362-8400) or Dean of Students Office (773/325-7290). 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.  A report allows the individual access to the full range of judicial options at DePaul University, regardless of what criminal legal proceedings the individual pursues. 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.  Unless otherwise required by law, the University will act in strict accordance with the wishes of the survivor regarding pursuit of these services.

Medical Treatment
A person who has experienced a sexual offense is encouraged to seek an appropriate medical evaluation as promptly as possible. Medical evaluation may include treatment of injuries endured during the event; treatment of STDs; and a full examination for the collection of physical evidence, should a person later decide to pursue a criminal prosecution and/or civil action. Additional resources may be available at time of treatment.  As per Illinois law, emergency room medical treatment for sexual abuse or assault is confidential and is of no cost to the survivor.
If a survivor chooses to seek treatment, they may call Public Safety to be taken to the emergency room.  At the emergency room, the survivor may request a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner to conduct the examination.  The survivor may also request that Rape Victim Advocates, a 24 hour advocacy group, be contacted.  These services provide the survivor with support to ease their experience at the hospital. The police will be contacted upon arrival at the hospital, but the survivor may decline to file a report.
Local Contacts:

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

Illinois Masonic Hospital
836 W Wellington Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 975-1600

Rape Victim Advocates
180 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60604
312/443-9603
www.rapevictimadvocates.org

Information, Support and Counseling
Counseling is available for survivors whether or not a report is filed. Counseling provides a space for confidential disclosure, and is available both on and off campus 24 hours a day. Survivors may experience Rape Trauma Syndrome, with symptoms similar to those of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  This condition may be serious and should be treated with respect and sensitivity.  Sexual violence can affect all areas of a survivor’s life and counseling can provide support to help navigate through issues that may arise.
*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
2250 North Sheffield Avenue, 3rd Floor
773/325-7779
CONFIDENTIAL

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

Office of Sexual Violence Support Services
Student Center
2250 North Sheffield Avenue, Suite 307
773/325-7295

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

Dean of Students Office
DePaul Center
1 E. Jackson Boulevard, 11001
312/362-8066

Off-Campus
Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline
1-888-293-2080
Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide immediate crisis counseling and referrals for survivors, significant others, and professionals.

Porchlight Counseling
847/328-6531 (office)
773/730-7077 (helpline)
Porchlight provides unlimited free counseling to college students at offices throughout Chicago.

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). Getting support can be essential to a survivor’s healing.
Crime Victim's Compensation Law
Under the Crime Victim's Compensation Law, a person who has been sexually abused or assaulted may be eligible for support services and medical reimbursement if the crime is reported within 7 days, or in some cases, even longer.

If a Sexual Assault Occurs, the survivor is encouraged to:
1. Find a safe place.
2. Seek medical treatment for possible physical injuries, transmission of STDs, and pregnancy. 
3. To preserve evidence of the assault:
a. Avoid showering, bathing, changing clothes, washing hands, going to the toilet, or brushing teeth
b. If you do decide to change clothes, save all of the clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault. Place each item of clothing in a separate paper bag.
c. Avoid disturbing anything in the area where the assault occurred.
4. File a report.
5. Seek support and counseling.

Educational Programs
1. The Office of Sexual Violence Support Services provides rape awareness, education and prevention/proactive presentations each year to members of the university community, including students, staff, and faculty.
2. The Office of Sexual Violence Support Services coordinates peer education programs for: sexual assault and pop culture; male roles in assault prevention; sexual assault and alcohol; sexual assault 101; and others upon request.  These programs may be utilized by student organizations, residence halls, and classes.
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. Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) classes are offered throughout the year for female students, faculty, and staff.
5. Brochures dealing with acquaintance rape and other sexual offenses are available through Student Affairs, Residence Education, Women's Center, and the Public Safety Office