Help and Support

For Victims/Survivors

UIC is committed to providing support and assistance to all victims/survivors of sexual misconduct. Once informed, appropriate University offices will work to assist with and provide guidance about reporting to law enforcement, obtaining counseling, advocacy and/or health services, making academic and administrative accommodations, and engaging Title IX and student conduct processes. You are not alone in facing these matters. You can find numerous ways to access support from the options below:

Get Medical Attention

Getting medical attention is important for addressing the physical consequences of any type of assault, even if you do not wish to press charges or collect evidence. If you can, seeking medical attention within 24 hours of a sexual assault is most ideal for medical and preventative treatment.

Survivors of sexual or physical assault can have health issues that include: bruising, cuts, abrasions, internal injuries not readily apparent or broken bones. They may also have additional health concerns such as: tearing or bruising of the labia, vaginal or anal wall, or urethra; sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes; pregnancy; and HIV.

To seek medical assistance, you can go to a hospital emergency room, clinic or your primary care physician. If you are on campus, medical treatment can be obtained at:

University of Illinois Hospital Emergency Room
(312) 996-7298
1740 West Taylor
Chicago, IL. 60612

Family Medicine Center (East Side)
(312) 996-2901
University Village
722 W Maxwell Street, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60607

Family Medicine Center (West Side)
(312) 996-2901
Outpatient Care Center, M/C 197
1801 West Taylor Street, Suite 4E
Chicago, IL. 60612

If you are off campus, call the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline (1-888-293-2080) for information about which hospitals have advocates specifically trained to work with survivors of sexual assault. (All hospitals, however, treat survivors of sexual assault and have general support services.)

If you go to the emergency room, you will receive preventative care, treatment, and referrals to follow-up care, and you have the option of evidence collection (i.e. a rape kit). For sexual assault, the emergency room charge nurse should contact a medical advocate from Rape Victim Advocates to accompany you through the evidence collection process.

The emergency room will also contact the police. It is your choice whether or not you talk with the police. If you choose to talk with the police they will take information for a police report and this information will be forwarded to the Title IX Coordinator for investigation and the Office of the Dean of Students for the student conduct process if the respondent is a UIC student.

You do not have to pay for the emergency room or follow-up medical care required as a result of a sexual assault. For confidential treatment, you can choose not to disclose Campus Care or other insurance information and request that the costs be automatically billed through the through the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency treatment Act (SASETA). Otherwise the statement for the emergency room visit will be sent to your permanent address.

Plan B (emergency contraceptive) can prevent a pregnancy up to 72 hours after intercourse. If you are 17 or over you can purchase Plan B without a prescription from a pharmacy. If you are under 17, you will need to get a prescription from a doctor.

How To Preserve Evidence

Sexual Assault
If you are interested or undecided about pressing charges, you can consent to the evidence collection process in the emergency room which entails a rape kit. Evidence can be collected up to 96 hours following a sexual assault. The rape kit is an evidence collection tool that documents physical injury and gathers physical evidence (e.g. DNA, fibers, hair) that may have been transferred during the sexual assault. It is your choice to have evidence collected. You have the right to agree to some parts of the exam but not others or refuse all parts of the kit. It is important to know that agreeing to the evidence collection process does not in any way force you to proceed with criminal charges.

Evidence is best preserved by not washing away the evidence and collecting all the items that may have evidence on them such as clothing. In order for the kit to be most effective, follow these guidelines:

• Avoid cleaning up in any way such as taking a shower, bathing, washing your hands, combing your hair or brushing your teeth
• Avoid using the toilet especially if you suspect you were given a drug to incapacitate you.
• Choose either to not change your clothes or if you do change your clothes, put all of the clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault in a paper (not plastic) bag and bring the bag with you to the hospital. The hospital will provide you with scrubs or sweats or you can have someone bring clothing.

Dating/Domestic Violence/Stalking
It is important to preserve evidence if you experience dating/domestic violence or stalking. Seeking medical attention for physical assaults that occur as part of dating/domestic violence or stalking can provide documentation of the physical injuries that were sustained. You can keep a record of witnesses or people to whom you disclosed that you were experiencing these forms of interpersonal violence. You can have a friend take pictures of bruising. If you choose to make a police report, physical injuries and property damage can be documented as part of the report process.

In addition it is useful to preserve any e-mails, texts, voice mails, written notes, and pictures of property damage which are useful in documenting dating/domestic violence or stalking. Additionally, you can keep a record of all of the incidents in a spiral note book with a date and time and description of the abusive or harassing behavior.

You Have Support

We want you to know that what happened is not your fault and whatever you did to survive was the right thing to do. UIC has a number of offices that respond to individuals who have experienced sexual assault, dating/domestic violence and stalking. There are several confidential and private/ non-confidential campus and community resources to assist you and provide support.
Refer to About Confidentiality for more information.

Support and Advocacy (On-Campus)
Campus Advocacy Network
(312) 413-8206
1101 W. Taylor Street
Suite 310 (above Chicago Public Library)

The advocates at the Campus Advocacy Network (a confidential resource) are experts in understanding the dynamics of sexual assault, dating/domestic violence and stalking and providing technical assistance for student, faculty and staff survivors. Advocates have extensive knowledge of on and off campus systems and agencies through which you can access resources. CAN is welcoming of all gender identities and is sensitive to how culture and social identities can shape the experience of violence.

Advocates will identify options available based on the specifics of your situation, explain the benefits and drawbacks of each option, and help you navigate the options that you choose. Support is provided even when no legal, civil or administrative action is taken. CAN is a place where individuals can make anonymous and confidential campus crime reports.

Counseling Center
(312) 996-3490
1200 W. Harrison
Student Services Building - Room 2010

The Counseling Center offers confidential counseling services and crisis intervention for students. The staff has expertise in working with survivors of trauma including sexual assault and other types of interpersonal violence. In addition, the Counseling Center provides support and guidance to help manage immediate emotional trauma and strengthen resilience in the advocacy process.

Counseling and crisis intervention can be arranged by calling or coming to the Counseling Center. Counselors will arrange to meet with students who have urgent needs within the same day or the next day. Crisis intervention or personal counseling can help students identify and consider options to notify appropriate law enforcement and campus authorities, pursue student conduct processes, and meet with an advocate.

After-Hours Crisis Counselor
(312) 996-3490, select "Option 2"

Office of the Dean of Students
(312) 996-4857
1200 W. Harrison
Student Services Building – Room 3030

The Office of the Dean of Students offers several services to student victims/survivors. In addition to serving as the place to report student conduct complaints, the staff can provide information about campus support services. Various options are presented for the victim's consideration including referrals to the Title IX Coordinator, Campus Advocacy Network, and the Counseling Center. Assistance is provided with academic accommodations, campus/off campus living arrangements, parking assignments, health, and other safety concerns.

Campus Housing
(312) 355-6300
818 Wolcott Ave.
Student Residence Hall (SRH) – Room 220

Campus Housing staff (e.g. resident assistants, peer mentors, resident directors) will assist the victim/survivor with the reporting of sexual misconduct including making appropriate referrals to university offices, providing information regarding investigations and offering assistance with legal/campus proceedings. The staff will develop a support plan with the residents involved and communicate the plan to the appropriate campus departments. The staff can assist with arranging medical attention for the resident, provide temporary or permanent room reassignment, and inform the resident about campus services for victims/survivors provided by the Campus Advocacy Network, Counseling Center, and the Office of the Dean of Students.

Gender and Sexuality Center
(312) 413-8619
Behavioral Sciences Building
Rooms 181 & 183

The Gender and Sexuality Center at UIC creates programs and provides resources that promote the full inclusion and cultural vitality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people and their allies. The GSC staff is available to consult with individuals on any aspect of their experience at UIC and can help make referrals to the appropriate offices. The GSC is one of the Centers for Cultural Understanding and Social Change in the Office of Diversity.

Wellness Center
(312) 413-2120
750 S. Halsted Street
Student Center East Building - Room 238

The Wellness Center provides students with health and wellness information. The Center offers students individual consultations with a health educator. These informal discussions typically require no appointment and the goal of these consultations is to identify simple and effective self-care and life strategies covering everything from stress management and nutrition to relationships and sexual health.

Student Legal Service
(312) 996-9214
1200 W. Harrison
Student Services Building – Room 3030

The Student Legal Service provides confidential legal assistance to students. The attorney can answer questions related to legal matters, provide information about legal proceedings, and assist students with appropriate referrals. The UIC Student Legal Service cannot represent students accused of violations of the Student Disciplinary Policy.

Victim Assistance and Advocacy (Off-Campus)
Rape Victim Advocates
(312) 443- 9603
180 North Michigan
Chicago, IL 60601
www.rapevictimsadvocate.org

Services include medical and legal advocacy as well as free counseling services. Provides medical advocacy to the UIC Emergency Room and surrounding area hospitals.

Mujeres Latinas En Accion
(773) 890-7676
2424 W. 21st Place
Chicago, IL 60608
www.mujereslatinasenaccion.org

Serving Latina survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their families; offers advocacy and counseling. Spanish speaking services available.

The Center on Halsted
(773) 472-6469
24 Hour Crisis: (773) 871-2273
3656 N. Halsted Ave
Chicago, IL 61357
www.centeronhalsted.org

Serving Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgender survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Offers advocacy and counseling.

Apna Ghar
(773) 334-0173
24 Hour Crisis: (800) 717-0757
4350 N. Broadway 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60613
www.apnaghar.org

Multilingual domestic violence shelter, counseling, and advocacy for Asian women and children.

Healthcare Alternative Systems Inc.- BASTA Domestic Violence Program
(773) 745-7107
5005 W. Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60639
www.hascares.org

Serving survivors of domestic violence; offers advocacy and counseling. Spanish speaking services available.

Life Span Legal Services
(312) 408-1210
24-Crisis Lines:
(847) 824-4454 (English & Spanish)
(847) 824-1158 (Polish)
20 E. Jackson Blvd., Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60604
www.life-span.org

Provides representation in civil court and advocacy in criminal court for domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault survivors. Fees are sliding scale to free.

You Have Options

Survivors of sexual assault, dating/domestic violence and stalking have a number of different options available for reporting sexual misconduct and seeking help and support.
Refer to Campus and Community Resources.

Ask for an Accommodation for Academic and Safety Concerns
Experiencing sexual assault, dating/domestic violence or stalking can impact academic and work performance in a number of ways, such as having to miss classes or work for medical appointments or court dates, difficulty completing assignments or problems studying for exams. You have the right to reasonable academic accommodations following any form of sexual misconduct. The Title IX Coordinator, the Office of the Dean of Students, or the Campus Advocacy Network can help you with interim interventions related to academics such as deadline extensions, arrangements to re-take a course, withdrawal from a class without penalty, and/or ensuring changes do not negatively impact academic records.

You have the right to feel safe on campus and avoid contact with the respondent. These interventions can include a change in campus living situations, class schedules, and parking assignments. For instance, the Title IX Coordinator or the Office of the Dean of Student's may prohibit the alleged respondent from having any contact with you or the Campus Advocacy Network can assist you with obtaining an order of protection. You have the right to not bear an undue burden of the changes that are made and the above offices will consult with you in this process. Refer to Interim Interventions for more information.

File a Criminal Complaint with the UIC Police
UIC Police
Emergency (312) 355-5555
Non-Emergency (312) 996-2830

The UIC Police are fully-sworn officers who serve the University, UIC Medical Center and surrounding community. UIC Police investigate, arrest, and assist in the prosecution of offenders. UIC Police will provide testimony for proceedings in criminal and student conduct hearings. UIC Police will transport individuals to the emergency room and court appearances. The UIC Police cooperate with investigations conducted by the Chicago Police Department. When an individuals files a complaint with the UIC Police, the police document the information in a report and discuss various options with the victim for further action. If the individual wants to press charges, a police report is created, the individual is informed about the criminal process and the police conduct a criminal investigation. If the police determine that the elements of a crime have been met, they forward the police report to the State's Attorney's office who determines if offenses will be prosecuted.

A copy of the police report is also submitted to the Title IX Coordinator for an investigation and Office of the Dean of Students for possible action through the student conduct process if the alleged respondent is a UIC student. The UIC Police inform victims about available victim assistance and advocacy resources at the Campus Advocacy Network (CAN) and counseling support available at the Counseling Center.

File a Complaint with the Title IX Coordinator
Title IX Coordinator
(312) 996-8670
Office for Access and Equity

The Title IX Coordinator conducts Title IX Investigations for sexual misconduct. The Title IX can implement interim interventions such as changing campus living assignments and course sections. The Title IX conducts an investigation to determine if the reported conduct meets the definition of sexual misconduct and makes recommendations to the University based on the findings. If there is a finding, a referral to the Office of the Dean of Students is made for possible sanctions through the student conduct process or in the case of an employee respondent to the appropriate supervisor, unit head, Vice Chancellor or other relevant administrator for appropriate employment action in accordance with applicable employment laws, policies, practices and agreements.

The Title IX Coordinator also refers students to the Campus Advocacy Network for support and assistance.

File a Complaint with the Student Conduct Process
Office of the Dean of Students
(312) 996-4857
1200 W. Harrison
Student Services Building – Room 3030

The Office of the Dean of Students oversees the student conduct process, which is responsible for hearing cases involving sexual misconduct. This is the place to report violations of university policy and the Standards of Conduct. The staff can issue interim interventions as appropriate based on the nature of the complaint. Hearings can result in a range of sanctions ranging from warnings to expulsion from the University. For more information about the student conduct process and a complete description of the possible sanctions, refer to: Student Disciplinary Policy

Obtain Orders of Protection/No Contact Orders
Civil options allow you to obtain a court order that bans contact from the respondent to address harassment and the potential for future harm. Some examples of civil options include a Sexual Assault or Stalking No Contact Order, or an Order of Protection if there was a pre-existing relationship with the respondent. In pursuing civil options, you are not asking the court to arrest the respondent and put him/her in jail instead you are asking the court to protect you from further contact with the respondent. A violation of the civil No Contact Order or Order of Protection can result in an arrest. Victims of sexual assault are also able to pursue damages from the respondent in civil court.

The Campus Advocacy Network (CAN) provides assistance with civil options. CAN will contact the relevant campus offices (e.g. UIC Police, Office of the Dean of Student's and campus departments) to inform these offices of the presence of a No Contact Order or Order of Protection. CAN assists victims with reporting violations of the orders to the UIC Police, State's Attorney's Office and/or the Office of the Dean of Students. Please contact CAN for more information about what civil options are available to survivors of sexual misconduct.

Make an Anonymous Crime Report
UIC provides an option for anonymous reporting of campus crime by the crime victim or a third party reporting on behalf of a crime victim. To fill out an online crime reporting form go here.

Contact an Advocate
Campus Advocacy Network
(312) 413-8206
1101 W. Taylor Street
Suite 310 (above Chicago Public Library)
The Campus Advocacy Network (CAN) is a confidential service that provides advocacy, coordination of the University’s community response to civil orders of protection and no contact orders, information about university processes related to reporting and investigation of sexual misconduct, and crisis support and safety planning and risk reduction strategies for victims/survivors.

Talk to Someone at the Counseling Center
(312) 996-3490
1200 W. Harrison
Student Services Building - Room 2010
The Counseling Center offers confidential counseling services and crisis intervention to students. The staff has expertise in working with survivors of trauma including sexual assault and other types of interpersonal violence. In addition, the Counseling Center provides support and guidance to help manage immediate emotional trauma and strengthen resilience in response to trauma. Counseling and crisis intervention can be easily arranged by calling or coming to the Counseling Center. Counselors will arrange to meet with students who have urgent needs within the same day or the next day. Crisis intervention or personal counseling can help students identify and consider options such as to notify appropriate law enforcement and campus authorities, pursue student conduct processes, meet with an advocate, talk to a family member/partner, etc. The Counseling Center can also provide consultation to faculty, staff, students, partners/parents, and others concerned about how to help a student in distress.

Help for International Students
International student victims/survivors may encounter unique challenges. There may have concerns about visa status, unfamiliarity with policies and laws, and/or language barriers. Aimed at increasing help-seeking behavior in the international student and scholar community the following resource guide was created.

International Student/Scholar Resource Guide (Coming Soon)
(available in several languages)