Sexual Violence

Sexual harassment and sexual violence are forms of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. For additional information, review Title IX policies and procedures.

University Police Guarantee

The Northwestern University Police Department recognizes sexual assault as a serious crime and encourages victims to report incidents. Our guarantee for sexual assault victims reflects our concern for survivors and emphasizes sensitivity, privacy (to the extent possible) and the need for trust and confidence. Our primary concern is for the victim. The investigation and the prosecution, or discipline, of the suspect may prevent future assaults. For these reasons, Northwestern University Police Department has adopted this guarantee for sexual assault victims.

• We will meet with you privately, at a place of your choice, to take a complaint.
• If you feel most comfortable talking with a female or male officer, we will try to accommodate your request.
• We will fully investigate your case. We will keep you informed on the progress of the investigation and/or prosecution.
• Our officers and other staff will not prejudge you, and you will not be blamed for what occurred.
• We will continue to be available to answer your questions, to explain the law enforcement and judicial systems, and to be willing listeners.
• We will help arrange for any hospital treatment and/or other medical needs.
• We will provide you with information regarding on- and off-campus counseling and other resources.
• We will treat you and your case with courtesy, sensitivity, dignity, understanding and professionalism.
• We will consider your case seriously, regardless of your gender or the gender of the suspect.
• We will not release your name to the media and will request the media to respect your privacy.

Reporting Incidents

Sexual assaults are one of the most under-reported crimes on college campuses. Individuals are strongly encouraged to report incidents of sexual misconduct to University Police or local law enforcement officials. A survivor has the right to choose whether to file a police report, report to the University or both.

Reporting an incident of sexual violence to police or University Police does not mean a survivor is obligated to take the offender to court (i.e., prosecute). Timely reporting to the police is an important factor in successful investigation and prosecution of crimes, including sexual violence crimes, and may lead to the arrest of an offender or aid in the investigation of other incidents.

Evanston Campus Police
1201 Davis Street
Evanston, IL 60208
(847) 491-3456 (24 hours)

Chicago Campus Police
211 East Superior Street
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 503-3456 (24 hours)

Learn more about reporting incidents of sexual misconduct or harassment on the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (OCR) Sexual Misconduct website. You can also learn more on the OCR website about help, support and resources.

Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance
1800 Sherman Avenue, Suite 4-500
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 467-6165
OCR@northwestern.edu

Report anonymously via EthicsPoint.

Working with Our Specially Trained Officers

We have officers who are specially trained to work with individuals reporting sexual misconduct and sexual violence.

First, we are going to make sure you are safe — we'll attend to any medical needs you have. It's also important to know that you are in control of the police investigation, and we will move at whatever pace you are comfortable with unless we need to act to prevent harm to another.

Our highly trained and sensitive officers will do an initial interview to better understand what happened. Then, we will collect evidence from you, which may include the clothing you were wearing at the time, bedding (if applicable), etc. — a detective will be called to assist with the investigation. With your permission, we will take you to the hospital for a private SANE exam (Sexual Assault Nurse Exam) with a medical professional. This will assist us in obtaining forensic evidence as well as assuring your medical well-being. Officers will not be present during the exam, and you are welcome to bring a friend or family member to help make you feel more comfortable. A victim advocate will be called to meet you at the hospital for additional support and help with understanding your rights. The advocate's presence is completely up to you, and you have the option to deny this service. Once the SANE exam is complete, officers will collect all the evidence and transport it to the State of Illinois Crime Lab for analysis.

It is never easy to go through a traumatic experience, and individuals respond in various ways. If you would like, we would be happy to connect you with Northwestern's Center for Awareness, Response and Education (CARE) at (847) 491-2054 for confidential support or advocacy services. Once you are well rested, a detective will contact you for a second interview to discuss your options and how you wish to proceed with the case.

University Police can also assist in reviewing options with survivors and identifying and facilitating support resources related to:

• Seeking medical attention
• Counseling
• Legal options, including seeking civil no-contact orders or protective orders
• Options under University administrative procedures

Reports of all sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking made to University Police will automatically be reported to the Title IX Coordinator regardless of whether the complainant chooses to pursue criminal charges.