Title IX & University Policy
Read the policy and relevant laws
Sexual Misconduct
Quick Exit
For privacy, you can exit at any time.
What is sexual misconduct?
Sexual misconduct occurs any time a person is forced, coerced, manipulated and/or threatened into any unwanted sexual contact, attempted or completed. It also includes any sexual contact without explicit consent. You cannot give consent if you are unconscious or incapacitated due to alcohol or other substance use.
Learn more about this issue
How to report sexual misconduct
There are multiple reporting options related to sexual misconduct. You may choose to report in more than one way. Learn more about the different options.
Report to the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance
Reporter: Any individual may report sexual misconduct.
Confidentiality:The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance will keep your information as private as possible but confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
File a Police Report
Reporter: An individual who has experienced sexual misconduct is encouraged to file a report.
Confidentiality: Reporting an incident to the University police or local police does not mean you need to testify in court. Reports of sexual misconduct made to University Police will automatically be shared with the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance.
File a Formal Title IX Complaint
Reporter: Only the individual who experienced unwanted behavior can file a formal sexual misconduct or sexual harassment complaint.
Confidentiality: Filing a complaint initiates a grievance process, which includes notifying the respondent.
File an Anonymous Report
Reporter: Any individual can use EthicsPoint, which has anonymous reporting options.
Confidentiality: While such complaints will retain anonymity, the University’s ability to investigate and respond to anonymous complaints is limited.
Support and Resources
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual misconduct, consider talking to one of the following trained resources.
Confidential Support
Confidential resources will not disclose information to anyone, including law enforcement or the University, except in very limited situations, such as when failure to disclose would result in imminent danger to the individual or to others.
Key University Contact
Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance will address complaints with sensitivity and keep your information as private as possible, but confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
(847) 467-6165 or email: ocr@northwestern.edu