Individuals of any sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity may experience sexual or relationship violence. There is nothing a person can do to deserve or provoke sexual or relationship violence.
Reports of sexual and relationship violence should be made to DePaul’s Title IX Coordinator, by phone (312) 362-8970 or email: titleixcoordinator@depaul.edu. The Title IX Coordinator is located in the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity at 14 E. Jackson, Ste. 800.
If the matter is an emergency, the report should be made to DePaul Public Safety (Lincoln Park: 773-325-7777, Loop: 312-362-8400). The Public Safety Office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sexual and relationship violence is defined at DePaul as follows:
Sex Offense (including Sexual Assault): Sex Offense means any sexual act directed against another person without consent, including instances where the individual is incapable of giving consent as defined below. Sexual Offenses include, but are not limited to, rape, forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object, fondling or kissing without consent, incest, statutory rape, the threat of sexual assault, sexual abuse, or any unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature, that occurs without consent by all the individuals involved. Many sex offenses are also sometimes collectively referred to as sexual assault.
Sexual Misconduct: Sexual Misconduct means taking sexual advantage of another person for the benefit of oneself or a third party when consent is not present. This includes, but is not limited to
- sexual voyeurism or permitting others to observe the intimate activity of another person
- indecent or lewd exposure;
- recording any person engaged in sexual or intimate activity in a private space;
- distributing sexual or intimate information, images or recordings about another person; or
- inducing incapacitation in another person with the intent to engage in sexual conduct, regardless of whether prohibited sexual conduct actually occurs.
Domestic Violence. Domestic Violence means violence committed by a family or household member. A family or household member includes parents, children, current or former spouses, a person with whom the reporting/affected individual shares a child in common, a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the reporting/affected individual, and others as defined by Illinois law.
Dating Violence. Dating Violence means violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the reporting/affected individual (i.e., a relationship which is characterized by the expectation of affection or sexual involvement between the parties); and where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of factors such as the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
Domestic and dating violence can be a single event or a pattern of behavior. The following are examples:
- Physical violence or assault;
- Sexual violence;
- Emotional violence;
- Economic abuse;
- Threats;
- Property damage; and
- Violence or threat of violence to one's self, one's sexual or romantic partner, and/or to the family members or friends of the sexual or romantic partner.
Stalking. Stalking means a course of conduct (i.e. two or more acts) directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others; or to suffer substantial emotional distress.
At DePaul, consent is defined as unambiguous and freely given agreement to move forward with a specific sexual request, act, or experience. Consent cannot be obtained from individuals who are unable to understand the nature of the activity or give consent due to being asleep, unconscious, underage, or due to having a temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity, including as a result of drug or alcohol use. Consent is an affirmative act, not a lack of action. Lack of verbal or physical resistance or submission as the result of force, coercion, duress, or threat thereof does not constitute consent. The absence of "no" or "stop" should never be interpreted as implicit consent, if consent is otherwise unclear. An individual's manner of dress does not constitute consent. Consent to past sexual activity or a past sexual relationship does not constitute consent. Consent to engage in sexual activity with one individual does not constitute consent to engage in sexual activity with another individual. Resistance is not required to demonstrate lack of consent. Consent can be withdrawn at any time
Reporting:
Federal laws, including Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in education, require that university employees, including faculty, respond with specific steps when an individual discloses issues related to sexual or relationship violence. These steps are detailed below. If a student or another faculty or staff member discloses to you that they:
- Have experienced sexual or relationship violence
- Have witnessed or learned about sexual or relationship violence
- Are facing potential consequences in, or are otherwise involved in, an issue related to sexual or relationship violence
Follow these steps:
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DISCLOSE YOUR ROLE. As soon as the individual appears to be disclosing an issue related to sexual or relationship violence, inform the individual of your obligation to report any information shared. If the individual wishes to speak to someone confidentially, offer to connect the individual with a confidential reporting resource. The following offices at DePaul have been designated as confidential reporting resources for students and employees:
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Office of Health Promotion & Wellness (773-325-7129) - Ask to be transferred to a Survivor Support Advocate
- Ordained individuals or otherwise recognized religious leaders engaging in pastoral care in University Ministry (773-325-7902)
For students only:
- University Counseling and Psychological Services [(773-325-SAFE (2273)]
- Student Legal Services (773-325-1588 or sls@depaul.edu)
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CARE. Ensure that the person is safe. Show empathy. Give non-judgmental support.
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CONNECT. Connect the person with resources. Provide the individual with a Survivor Information Sheet found here: Rights and Options 2023.pdf (depaul.edu)
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REPORT. Regardless of whether the individual will report the incident, you are required to promptly report the incident to DePaul’s Title IX Coordinator. This report can be made directly to the Title IX Coordinator or through Public Safety or the Office of Health Promotion and Wellness.
- Title IX Coordinator (312-362-8970, titleixcoordinator@depaul.edu)
- DePaul Public Safety (Lincoln Park: 773-325-7777; Loop: 312-362- 8400)(open 24 hours/7 days a week).
- Office of Health Promotion & Wellness (773-325-7129)
You can also report the information through:
https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?DePaulUniv&layout_id=0
More information about these other reporting responsibilities can be found in the Crime Reporting and Clery Act Compliance policy or on the Public Safety website.