Report to the University

File a Sexual Misconduct Report

If at any time you experience or witness sexual assault, sexual misconduct, violence, stalking, or sexual harassment, we strongly recommend that you report it, even if you want to remain anonymous. Reports can be made to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (OCR) in person during normal business hours, or by email, regular mail, phone, or via online form at any time.

OCR staff members are specially trained to work with individuals who report sexual misconduct. They have knowledge about on- and off-campus resources and options.

Sexual Misconduct reporting form

Emily Babb, Associate Vice President for Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance/Title IX Coordinator
Tiffany Little, Senior Director for Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance/Deputy Title IX Coordinator

(847) 467-6165
OCR@northwestern.edu
1800 Sherman, Suite 4500
Evanston, IL 60201

What to Expect When Filing a Report

Upon receipt of a report, an OCR staff member will contact the person who may have experienced the incident with:

an invitation to meet in person
medical or confidential support
information about how to request a protective order, a no-contact directive or Supportive Measures
reporting and resolution options
how to preserve evidence in cases of sexual misconduct

Cases submitted to OCR that do not meet the standard for a formal investigation or that implicate other University policies are forwarded, as appropriate, to other offices such as the Office of Community Standards, the Office of the Provost, Human Resources, or Student Affairs.

Reporting Anonymously

EthicsPoint Reporting

An anonymous report may be made through the University's anonymous reporting form, Ethicspoint, or by submitting the Sexual Misconduct Reporting Form without providing identifying information.

How can report anonymously?

Student can file an anonymous report. Employees, however, cannot report anonymously.

Limitations of Anonymous Reporting

When individuals report allegations sexual misconduct to the University and do not consent to the disclosure of their names and/or do not disclose the identity of the alleged offenders or identifiable information about the alleged offenders, the University's ability to respond to the reports may be limited.

If a Complainant wants the University to conduct an investigation under these procedures but does not wish to participate in the investigation, the University will determine whether it is possible to move forward without the Complainant's participation. In some cases, it will not be possible to do so.

If you are unsure about whether you want to make a report or proceed with an investigation, a confidential resource can help you explore your options and provide additional resources, support, and information.

File a Title IX Sexual Harassment Formal Complaint to Initiate an Investigation.

The same guildelines, outlined above, apply to filing a Title IX Sexual Harassment Formal Complaint as a Sexual Misconduct Report. However, while an individual who experienced Title IX Sexual Harassment may submit a report through the Sexual Misconduct Reporting form to obtain supportive measures or discuss resolution options, in order to initiate a formal investigation through the University's grievance process, the Complainant must submit a Formal Complaint by either submitting the below Formal Complaint form or confirming in writing that the Sexual Misconduct report constitutes their Formal Complaint.

Title IX Sexual Harassment Formal Complaint

What To Expect When Filing a Title IX Sexual Harassment Formal Complaint

Upon receipt of a report, an OCR staff member will contact the complainant with information on available resources and possible resolution options. The outreach will also include an invitation to meet with or provide additional information to an OCR staff member.

OCR will conduct an initial inquiry into the report to determine whether the allegations, if substantiated, would rise to the level of a violation of University Policy. If OCR determines the report could not constitute a violation of the Interim Policy on Title IX Sexual Harassment or Policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct, OCR may dismiss the report or refer it to another office.

Should I report?

If at any time you experience or witness violence, harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or any other threatening behavior, we ask that you report it, even if you want to remain anonymous.