HB

0821: Mandating Department of Human Services participation in higher education

institutions initiatives to address sexual misconduct on college campuses.

Issue: Providing survivors of sexual misconduct non-institution (higher education
institution) assistance in accessing mental and physical health resources, legal aid, other
social services. Aligning institutional-governmental best practices on reporting
mechanisms and policy coherence.

Proposed Action: Amend Higher Education (110 ILCS 12/10) Sec. 10. Community Task
Force. 2) Any regional task force in which a higher education institution participates
shall have representatives from the following: a regional administrator (RA) or
Community Support Services Consultant (RSSC) from the Division of Family and
Community Service (FCS) under the Department of Human Services (DHS)

Policy Priorities:
Sexual violence on college campuses occurs most frequently among young women (50%
before the age of 18), who know their perpetrators. Before leaving college, 1 in 5
women will have experienced sexual violence.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Research and Development Series, 2016.
The prevalence of sexual misconduct is a larger issue than many perceive. The culture
of college campuses has shifted to a state of disbelief that sexual misconduct is a serious
issue, due to its ubiquity.

"It is up to all of us to ensure victims of sexual violence are not left to face these trials
alone. Too often, survivors suffer in silence, fearing retribution, lack of support, or that
the criminal justice system will fail to bring the perpetrator to justice. We must do more
to raise awareness about the realities of sexual assault; confront and change insensitive
attitudes wherever they persist; enhance training and education in the criminal justice
system; and expand access to critical health, legal, and protection services for
survivors.
President Barack Obama, April 2012

Victims often suffer in silence due to fear of retribution, or victim-blaming. This is an

issue where victims are held responsible for the sexual offenses against them because of
actions they took, such as: walking alone at night, becoming intoxicated, going on a date
with the offender, wearing revealing clothing, or previously participating in sexual
engagement with the offender. Retaliation instills guilt in victims, leaving then to
internalize the effects of the incident instead of seeking services. This is especially true
if the only services offered are provided directly through the institution, instead of
unbiased third-party services like those provided through DHS.

Lack of reporting increases the chances the offender will repeat a sexual offense. One
study found 63% of men who attempted or completed rape had raped at least 5 victims
each in their lifetime. Yet, the higher education institution as it stands shows that only
12% of offenders who ARE found guilty are expelled from school.
The White House Council on Women and Girls, 2014.
This emphasizes the distrust associated with higher education intuitions to keep the
victims safety and wellness as the top priority. Higher education intuitions interests
have been perceived to lie not in what happens to their victims but in their reputation,
accessing funding, maintaining enrollment rates, and protecting their athletes.

Victims of sexual violence may endure lifelong physical and mental health issues
including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and drug or alcohol abuse.
Additionally, 30% of victims experience repeat victimization in their lifetime. Of
physically forced victims, only 22% sought services, and of incapacitated victims, only
6% sought services. Majority of sexual assault happen while the victim is incapacitated.
National Institute of Justice, 2007
Given the stigmatism surrounding victims of sexual misconduct, victims who are
intoxicated are even less likely to seek services. Yet, this constitutes majority of victims.
Off-campus DHS services may alleviate the fear of higher ed. Institutions penalty for
underage drinking or intoxication.

Ensure that our students not only survive sexual misconduct, but also revive from it.
Support HB 0821 today.

For more information, contact: Nicole Sammartino, MPH; (847)345-1109;
nsamma2@uic.edu.