Interpersonal Violence Resources and Prevention

Complaint and Reporting Options

Deciding whether or not to file a complaint can be very difficult. There is no right or wrong decision, but often times there are many worries. For instance, some may be concerned that if they are underage and were drinking at the time of their assault, they will be punished if they report the assault. Students who report in good faith are immune from discipline regarding minor conduct violations (such as underage drinking) that may be discovered during an investigation unless the violation is egregious or places the health or safety of others at risk. Students who report violations or participate in an investigation are also protected from retaliation.

EIU is committed to supporting your well-being and safety and has established procedures for addressing incidents of sexual misconduct/assault and relationship violence. The survivor, however, determines his/her level of participation in this process. Below are options for filing a complaint/report. Here you can also access a resource form that has helpful information. 

EIU student survivors have the right to report or not report the incident to one or all of the following:

The University Police Department (UPD)

Location: 7^th and Grant (directly east of the University Union)

Phone: 581-3213 (911 if an emergency)

UPD provides professional law enforcement services to the campus community. They can receive, process, and investigate complaints of sexual assault and then forward information to the Coles County State’s Attorney for appropriate action if the complainant wishes to pursue a criminal complaint.

Charleston Police Department

Location: 614 6th St. Charleston, IL

Phone: 217-348-5221

Incidents of sexual violence that occur off campus can be reported to the Charleston Police Department.

The Office of Student Accountability & Support (Deputy Title IX Coordinator)
Brittany Floyd, Student Accountability and Support

Location: University Union – Lower Level

Phone: 581-3827

The Office of Student Accountability and Support enforces the requirements of the Student Code of Conduct and, through its board or administratively, issues sanctions for violations of the code including violations of the sexual misconduct provision. The Associate Director is also a Title IX Deputy Coordinator. Once a complaint is received, the Office of Student Accountability and Support will collect information and determine whether to proceed administratively or whether to send the matter to a board hearing (the more likely outcome). The board will receive testimony from witnesses and will review applicable evidence or documentation. The board uses the “preponderance of the evidence” standard. Click here to view their procedures.

The Office of Civil Rights and Diversity (Title IX Coordinator)
Shawn Peoples, Office of Civil Rights and Diversity

Location: 1011 Old Main

Phone: 581-5020

Hours: Office is open M-F from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and by appointment.

The Office of Civil Rights and Diversity investigates complaints of sexual harassment when the respondent is an employee, according to the university’s sexual harassment complaint policy (IGP 175.2). Sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct also fit under the umbrella of sexual harassment. This office reviews and investigates allegations of sexual assault to the extent that such an act would violate the sexual harassment policy and/or Title IX policy.  To review other policies related to sexual harassment complaint procedures, please refer to the Policies & Procedures section. Please click here to view the University’s Discrimination Complaint Procedures.