Gender-Based Violence: Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence and Stalking Policy | Safety Awareness Facts and Education | SIU

The Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence and Stalking Policy was approved in 2014, revised in 2016, and generally states: SIU is committed to fostering an environment in which all members of our campus community are safe, secure, and free from sexual misconduct of any form, including but not limited to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. The University expects that all interpersonal relationships and interactions — especially those of an intimate nature — be grounded upon mutual respect, open communication, and clear consent. SIU has adopted the following standards of conduct for all members of our community — students, faculty, administrators, staff, vendors, contractors, and third parties— with respect to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. These standards apply to all regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity of any of the individuals involved. By providing resources for prevention, education, support, investigation, and a fair disciplinary process, SIU seeks to eliminate sexual violence.

SIU does not tolerate, and therefore prohibits, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Such conduct violates the community values and principles of our institution and disrupts the living, learning, and working environment for students, faculty, staff, and other community members. Any attempt to commit an act identified in this policy, as well as assisting or willfully encouraging any such act, is also considered a violation of this policy. SIU prohibits any form of retaliation against any individual for reporting, providing information, exercising one’s rights or responsibilities under this policy, or otherwise being involved in the process of responding to, investigating, or addressing allegations of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking.

SIU strongly encourages all individuals to report incidents of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking to University officials. Individuals may report incidents to the Department of Public Safety, the Title IX Coordinator, and/or Student Rights and Responsibilities. All University employees are obligated to report sexual misconduct of which they become aware, unless they have a legally recognized confidentiality privilege such as physicians and counselors. The University will provide resources to support persons who have been victims of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and/or stalking and will apply appropriate disciplinary procedures to those who violate this policy. Investigations will be handled according to the Discrimination (Including Sexual Harassment) Complaint and Investigation Procedures, and, in the case of an accused student, the Student Conduct Code.

After an incident of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and/or stalking the victim should consider seeking medical attention and/or law enforcement assistance as soon as possible. Although the University strongly encourages all members of its community to report violations of this policy to law enforcement, it is the victim’s choice whether or not to make such a report. Regardless of whether a victim elects to make a complaint to law enforcement, the University will assist victims of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and/or stalking. When a student or employee reports to the institution that they have been a victim of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, whether the offense occurred on or off campus, the University will provide the student or employee a written explanation of their rights and options. The University will provide written notification to students and employees about existing counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, and other services available for victims, both within the University and in the community. The University will provide written notification to victims about options for, and available assistance in, changing academic, living, transportation, and working situations. The University will make such accommodations if the victim requests them and if they are reasonably available.

The University will conduct primary prevention and awareness programs for new students and new employees, and ongoing awareness campaigns related to prevention of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking for all students and employees. These programs shall include a statement that the University prohibits sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking; the definition of these offenses as well as the definition of consent; safe and positive options for bystander intervention; recognition of signs of abusive behavior; and how to avoid attacks.

For more information, view the Gender-Based Violence: Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence and Stalking Policy.

Head back to the Policy Information page.