Getting Help

What should I do if I experience sexual violence?

The most important step is to get to safety and then seek immediate medical assistance.

• No matter where you are, call 9-1-1 if you are in immediate danger.
• If you’re on campus, contact Campus Safety and Security at (773) 244-5780 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and/or the Office for Counseling and Health Services at (773) 244-4897 (Monday through Friday). A University staff person will be contacted to assist you and to provide counsel and support. Immediate medical assistance will be arranged.
• If you’re off campus, seek help at the nearest hospital or police station by dialing 9-1-1 or activating your LiveSafe response app.

If personal safety or getting medical assistance is not an immediate concern, you may also seek support and counseling from many individuals on campus.

All University administrators (vice presidents, deans, directors), faculty, head coaches, resident directors, and staff members of Campus Safety and Security and the Office of Human Resources, are designated as “Responsible Employees.” If you make a report to one of these individuals, they will help you bring your report to the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinators.

• Residence Life: (773) 244-5555
• Dean of Students: (773) 244-5655
• Seminary Student Services: (773) 244-6219
• Human Resources: (773) 244-5601

Others on campus are designated as “Confidential Employees.” Confidential Employees are required to maintain the confidentiality of information shared with them and may not disclose such information to the University’s Title IX Coordinator or to anyone else, except in very limited matters. North Park University’s confidential employees are our Campus Pastor, Athletic Chaplain, Counseling Support Services, and Health Services.

• Campus Pastor: (773) 244-4982
• Counseling Support Services: (773) 244-4897
• Health Services Center: (773) 244-4897

 

Though it may be uncomfortable, evidence of your assault should be preserved:

• If a rape has occurred, refrain from bathing, showering, washing hands, or changing clothing before the medical exam. (The decision to press charges does not have to be made at this time. However, following these procedures will help preserve this option for the future.)
• The location where the assault occurred should not be disturbed; avoid touching or moving anything until Campus Safety and Security or police have investigated.
• Attempt to recall the physical description of the offender (clothing worn, age, height, weight, hair color, facial hair, etc.). It may be helpful to write the description down—details may be forgotten, especially in stressful circumstances.

Promptly report incidents of sexual violence to Campus Safety and Security and consider reporting the incident to the appropriate police department. Reports and victims will be treated with respect and confidentiality. The victim may request that an advocate accompany the victim during questioning and that an officer of the same gender as the victim conduct the questioning.

Report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator, Title IX Deputy Coordinator, or a Responsible Employee.

Seek support from a good friend, family member, or other person with whom you feel comfortable. If you don’t have someone to turn to, contact a Title IX Advocate or these campus resources:

• Health Services and Counseling Support Services: (773) 244-4897
• Campus Pastor: (773) 244-4982