If you believe that you have experienced sexual misconduct, contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (OCR). OCR will help you report the incident to Northwestern (formally or anonymously), to the police, or both; request supportive measures; and explore resolution options.
Title IX Coordinators will be able to refer you the proper office (ie: Office of Community Standards, the Office of the Provost, Human Resources, Student Affairs) if they can better assist you.
If you have experienced any form of sexual misconduct, the University encourages you to reach out to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. You may choose how much information you choose to share with the institution.
(847) 467-6165
OCR@northwestern.edu
1800 Sherman Avenue, Suite 4500
Evanston, IL 60201
If you file a report of sexual misconduct, your report will be reviewed by a Title IX Coordinator. The Sexual Misconduct reporting form can be used by any member of the Northwestern community (or a non-community member) to report a concern of sexual misconduct in which anyone involved is a member of the Northwestern community.
Ask a question or report anonymously via EthicsPoint. While anonymous reports will be reviewed, the University's ability to address misconduct reported by anonymous sources may be significantly limited. Responsible Employees who are filing a report CANNOT report anonymously and must disclose all known information.
Anyone may report incidents to the university on their own behalf or on behalf of someone else to connect with the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. However, only the individual who experienced unwanted behavior can file a Formal Complaint pursuant to the Interim Policy on Title IX Sexual Harassment.
Your safety is our top concern. Criminal incidents, suspicious activity and emergencies that occur on campus may be reported to University police.
Criminal incidents, suspicious activity and emergencies that occur off campus may be reported to local police. Northwestern University Police Department maintains close working relationships with the Evanston and Chicago Police Departments. Filing a Police report does not obligate an individual to participate in any subsequent criminal proceedings.
Any individual can report to local police.
Current students, employees, University vendors, contractors, visitors, guests, volunteers, interns, and third parties may all report to University police.
Reporting an incident to university police or local police does not mean you need to testify in court. Reports of sexual misconduct made to University Police will automatically be shared with the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance.
There is no time limit for reporting an incident of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct. However, the University encourages reports to be made as soon as possible after the incident. Statutes of limitations may apply. Any questions about this can be directed to the Northwestern University Police Department.
At any point during a Formal Investigation or Alternative Resolution proceedings, you may end the process or choose a different pathway. The University typically can honor that request.
If at any time you experience or witness violence, harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or any other threatening behavior, we ask that you report it, even if you want to remain anonymous.
Yes. Impacted individuals may contact OCR to receive support, resources, counseling, and supportive measures without filing a report. Contact us to schedule a call or to meet in person.
Seek medical attention to treat any injuries, test for sexually transmitted infections, obtain emergency contraception (if needed), and/or perform a rape evidence collection procedure.
Preserving evidence is extremely important after an incident of sexual misconduct. Such evidence may be helpful in pursuing a complaint with the University, including the results of forensic tests.
Students and employees may speak to a confidential University resource without making a report to the University.
Report to the university to learn about available resources, discuss reporting options, or request supportive measures. You can also report to local or university police.