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Domestic violence can be physical, psychological, verbal, emotional, financial, and/or
sexual. Attacks that often begin as verbal abuse or threats can turn into battery,
rape, and even murder. At least 12 million people report incidences of domestic violence
every year. Victims can be any age, male or female, single or married, from any social,
economic, racial, or ethnic background.
If you feel you are in immediate danger, please call 911 as soon as possible
National Domestic Violence Hotline
(La Línea Nacional sobre Violencia Doméstica) Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish
and 200+ through interpretation service 800-799-7233
City of Chicago Domestic Violence Services
Information, Options, Counseling, Legal and Shelter Services
Toll-Free. 24-hour. Confidential. Multilingual.
Phone: 1.877.863.6338
TTY: 1.877.863.6339
Illinois Department of Human Services
Domestic Violence Hotline
1-877-TO END DV or 1-877-863-6338 (Voice)
1-877-863-6339 (TTY)
The hotline is toll free, confidential, multilingual, and open 24-hour.
Find a Service Provider Near You
Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence website
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Sexual Assault is any unwanted sexual contact imposed upon another person by use of
force, fear, manipulation, or coercion. Sexual assault is defined as any sexual activity
involving a person who does not or cannot (due to alcohol, drugs, or some sort of
incapacitation) consent.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, "sexual assault can be
verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact
or attention." Sexual assault is a broad term, and can describe many things, including:
- rape
- unwanted sexual contact (touching or grabbing)
- unwelcomed exposure of another's body or voyeurism
- child sexual abuse
- incest or molestation
- sexual harassment
Sexual assault is an act of power. This can be obvious, like in a situation where
the perpetrator has a weapon. Sexual assault can also occur when physical force or
threat is used against the victim or someone the victim cares about. However, physical
coercion or force is not always present or necessary. In some sexual assault cases,
the violence is more subtle, like when the perpetrator's age, size, or status is used
to scare, trick, or manipulate the victim.
Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault. People of all ages, races, economic backgrounds,
sexualities, and lifestyles have been victims. Males as well as females can be victims.
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Acquaintance Rape and Date Rape both refer to sexual assault by a person known to
the survivor. While most people think rape is committed by a stranger, acquaintance
rape is actually much more common. On college campuses, 84-97% of sexual assault is
committed by someone known to the survivor. Like any other rape, acquaintance rape
is not the survivor's fault. This can be hard to remember; knowing the acquaintance
may make a survivor feel that s/he is to blame, or that what happened does not qualify
as sexual assault. However, it is still important to get help. Acquaintance rape is
as traumatic and serious as other forms of rape.
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If you are a victim of dating/domestic/intimate partner violence, sexual or physical
assault, stalking, or harassment, then tell someone. Come to the Counseling Center
or the Campus Police.
If you are sexually assaulted in Chicago, please go to the nearest emergency room
to collect evidence and have a sexual assault examination. Most hospitals have a rape
victim advocate to support and assist you.
If you have been injured, seek medical attention immediately and ask the medical personnel
to document their findings. Keep any evidence of physical abuse (ripped clothing,
photos of bruises and injuries, copies of medical reports). If you have been sexually
assaulted, do not shower, eat, or smoke. Place clothing in a paper bag and call for
assistance.
If you are in danger, or being threatened, stalked, or assaulted, call the University
Police:
- at extension 2111 on campus or
- call 911 for help.
- If you are off-campus or using a cell phone call 1-(773) 995-2111. You can also arrange
a signal with a neighbor to alert them to call the police, if you are in danger.
Hotlines are always available to you, 24 hours a day. You can talk to a hotline counselor
about your options, make a safety plan, identify resources, or find out how to join
a support group. Come to the Counseling Center CRSU 190 during office hours.
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1-888-293-2080 (Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline)
1-630-971-3927 (West Suburbs)
1-708-748-5672 (South Suburbs)
Report the crime. A victim is not required to report the incident, but reporting the
crime can help you regain a sense of personal power and control.
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