If you are experiencing any kind or degree of sexual violence, know that you are not alone and there are many resources available to you when you are ready to reach out for help. It is important to know it is not your fault.

In the drop-down options beneath this section, you will find information on people at LLCC, within our community and at national organizations who are informed and prepared to help you. If you are not yet ready to speak to someone about what has happened, you will also find information, links and pamphlets below.

In an emergency, always call 911 or your local police department.

LLCC Police Department:

• Emergency: 217-786-2222
• Non-Emergency: 217-786-2278

If you are nervous about speaking with law enforcement about what happened, view RAINN's tips on what to expect with the process.

What to do if you've been sexually assaulted

Sexual assault is never your fault. Engaging in sexual activity without consent or by use of physical force, coercion or threat is considered assault. Sexual contact without consent can be prosecuted even if you have had intimate contact with your attacker previously, you know your attacker, you did not fight back, or you were drunk or unconscious.

If you were recently assaulted, please seek medical care. If you would like someone who can advocate for you and answer questions you may have through the process of accessing medical care, PCASA (217-753-8081, available 24/7) can provide a medical advocate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If possible, it is important that you not shower, change clothes or clean up the scene of the attack.

The following hospitals can treat individuals who have experienced sexual assault:

• Memorial Medical Center - Springfield
• St. John's Hospital - Springfield
• Passavant Hospital - Jacksonville
• Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital - Lincoln
• Pana Community Hospital - Pana
• St. Francis Hospital - Litchfield
• Taylorville Memorial Hospital - Taylorville
• Mason District Hospital - Havana

ICASA: After Sexual Assault (PDF): This booklet provides information on medical and emotional care, and legal procedures involved in reporting the assault. More information and tips on reporting and the criminal justice system is provided through RAINN.

If you are a survivor of an incident of sexual assault in the past, national and local 24-hour hotlines can provide you with important information such as dealing with the emotional trauma, options for reporting and statutes of limitation and personalized referrals.

What to do if you're experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence

Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. It can happen to couples who are dating, living together, share children or are married. Regardless of your situation, it is not your fault.

Domestic violence can look different from abuser to abuser. It's not always easy to recognize that what you're experiencing is domestic violence. Read more about the signs of intimate partner abuse.

If you are being abused, it's important to do what you feel keeps you safe. In the "Resources" section below, you will find information for multiple agencies that can help you. Locally, Sojourn Shelter & Services can provide assistance and tips on how to make "safety plans" for a wide range of situations (during an explosive event, when planning to leave, etc.). Experts also highly recommend using an incident log to keep track of dates and times, witnesses and details on any police contact during individual situations.

Call national or local domestic violence hotlines for help with an incident log, safety plan or for more resources, assistance and personalized support.

• Sojourn Shelter & Services 24-Hour Hotline: 217-726-5200
• National Domestic Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

What to do if you're being stalked

Stalking is frequently misunderstood but can be described in general terms as a series of actions that make you feel afraid or in danger. This includes both physical actions and those executed online. Stalking is unpredictable. It can slowly escalate, or it can suddenly become extremely dangerous. As a victim of stalking, you may feel afraid, overwhelmed, anxious and like you can't trust anyone. It's important you know it is not your fault.

Experts can help you understand the legal system in connection to stalking, find ways to help you feel safe again and provide assistance with creating an incident log. If you fear you're being stalked, contact law enforcement immediately. Because no two incidents of stalking are identical, you can't predict what a stalker will do. However, there are a few things you can do to help keep you safe. Explore these resources for more information:

• National Center for Victims of Crime Stalking Resource Center
• Cyberstalking/Sexting Facts

What to do if you think you've been drugged

If you believe your drink has been spiked or someone has given you drugs without your consent, get medical care right away. Being drugged can be both physically and emotionally traumatic, whether you believe you've been assaulted while under the influence of the drugs or not.

The drugs on their own can be extremely harmful, and associated risks become more dangerous when mixed with alcohol. Many "rape drugs" metabolize very quickly; the quicker you seek medical care, the more likely it is that medical professionals can identify which drug was used on you. Accurate identification of the type of drug you ingested will be important in order to treat you correctly and will be a vital piece of evidence if you decide to file a report and press charges. Call 911 or have a trusted friend take you to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Symptoms of being drugged and the length of time you experience them vary by the type of drug used and the amount ingested, but typical symptoms of the most commonly used date rape drugs include:

• Feeling significantly more intoxicated than your usual response to the amount of alcohol you have consumed
• Feeling extremely hungover, especially if it is disproportionate to the amount of alcohol you consumed
• Feeling extremely foggy, physically weak/exhausted, and/or unable to speak without slurring your words
• Remembering taking a drink but not being able to remember what happened for a period of time after you consumed the drink
• Feeling like someone had sex with you but being unable to remember any or all of the incident
• Experiencing other symptoms outlined in the following resource: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health

Ask the hospital to take a urine (pee) sample that can be used to test for drugs you didn't purposely ingest. Some drugs leave your system quickly. Rohypnol stays in the body for several hours and can be detected in urine up to 72 hours after ingestion. GHB leaves the body in 12 hours. Don't urinate before going to the hospital. If you must urinate, do so in a cup or bottle — this can still be tested, but it cannot be used as evidence. It is best to call the police from the hospital. Tell the police exactly what you remember. Be honest about all your activities. Remember, nothing you did — including drinking alcohol or doing drugs — can justify rape.

Confidential Advisors

In order to provide survivors of sexual violence with the opportunity to privately confide in a trained and credentialed professional in a safe environment, LLCC has designated the below contacts as confidential advisors. Discussions between a confidential advisor and a survivor pertaining to incidents of sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence and/or stalking will remain confidential unless the survivor provides written consent or the report falls within certain safety-related exceptions. Prior to the survivor discussing details of the event, our confidential advisor will inform survivors about any exceptions or laws that would require them to disclose the report. LLCC highly encourages survivors, loved ones of survivors and witnesses of sexual violence to contact our confidential advisor to discuss their safety, well-being and/or options.

Confidential Advisor Contact Information

Confidential Advisor Phone Line (only answered by confidential advisors): 217-786-2590

Claire Heffron-McKinney, Student Success Coach
Claire.Heffron-Mckinney@llcc.edu
217-786-2590

Melissa Franzen, Student Success Coach
Melissa.Franzen@llcc.edu
217-786-2228

Title IX Coordinator

Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the U.S. Department of Education’s implementing regulations, Lincoln Land Community College’s Title IX Coordinators have primary responsibility for coordinating the College’s efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in all the operations of Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC), as well as retaliation for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX.

Sexual misconduct against students, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape and sexual exploitation, can be a form of sex discrimination under Title IX. The Title IX Coordinators oversee LLCC’s response to reports and complaints that involve possible sex discrimination to monitor outcomes, identify and address any patterns, and assess effects on the campus climate, so LLCC can address issues that affect the wider college community. Any reports of sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct, made to a Title IX Coordinator will be investigated.

A student should contact a Title IX Coordinator in order to:

• Seek information or training about students’ rights and courses of action available to resolve reports or complaints that involve potential sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct
• File a complaint or make a report of sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct
• Notify LLCC of an incident or policy or procedure that may raise potential Title IX concerns
• Get information about available resources (including confidential resources) and support services relating to sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct
• Ask questions about LLCC’s policies and procedures related to sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct.

Title IX Compliance Contact Information

Nikki L. Baker, Title IX Coordinator
Nikki.Baker@llcc.edu
studentrights@llcc.edu
217-786-3426

Non-Confidential Faculty & Staff

Role of Responsible Employees

Any employee at Lincoln Land Community College is deemed a responsible employee under Title IX if:

• The employee has the authority to take action to redress sexual violence and similar misconduct;
• The employee has been given the duty of reporting incidents of sexual violence or any other misconduct by students to the Title IX Coordinator or other appropriate College designee; OR
• The employee is someone whom a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.

Responsible employees have the obligation to report incidents of sexual violence and similar misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator. They are not confidential advisors and cannot take a confidential report. A responsible employee must report all relevant details about the alleged sexual violence reported to him/her. The employee does not have a responsibility to determine that sexual violence and similar misconduct occurred or created a hostile environment before reporting the incident to the Title IX Coordinator.

Responsible employees include, but are not limited to, faculty and administrators at Lincoln Land Community College.

Role of Campus Security Authority

Lincoln Land Community College employees who are deemed a Campus Security Authority (CSA) include:

• The LLCC Police Department;
• Any individual or individuals who have responsibility for campus security but who are not a member of the LLCC Police Department;
• Any individual or organization specified in any College policies to which students and employees are directed to report criminal offenses; OR
• Any official who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities.

The function of a CSA is to report to the LLCC Chief of Police or a designee those allegations of Clery Act crimes that are reported to a CSA. CSAs are not responsible for investigating or reporting incidents they overhear students talking about in a hallway conversation; that a classmate or student mentions during an in-class discussion; that a victim mentions during a speech, workshop or any other form of group presentation; or that the CSA otherwise learns about in an indirect manner. CSAs are not responsible for determining whether a crime took place or trying to apprehend the alleged perpetrator of any crimes they may witness. That is the responsibility of law enforcement personnel. It is also not a CSA’s responsibility to try and convince a victim to contact law enforcement if the victim chooses not to do so.

Role of Mandated Reporters

A mandated reporter is required to report or cause a report to be made to the child abuse hotline number (1-800-25A-BUSE) whenever he or she has a reasonable cause to believe that a child known by the employee in his/her professional or official College capacity may be abused or neglected. All employees of Lincoln Land Community College are mandated reporters.

A number of resources are available for survivors of the various types of sexual violence. If you are looking for resources outside of the Springfield area, note that state and national coalitions and organizations can provide you with a list of resources nearest you. Below, find information about resources at LLCC, within the Springfield community and surrounding area, and from national coalitions and organizations working to end sexual violence and assist victims and survivors.

LLCC Campus Resources

Talkspace

LLCC is excited to announce a new partnership with Talkspace, an online therapy service. Through Talkspace, we are providing all LLCC students with a free monthly 30-minute live (synchronous) video session and free unlimited text, voice and video therapy messaging with a Talkspace therapist. Students have the ability to choose therapists based on all sorts of needs/interests including race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, religious preference, language preference, etc. Additionally, Talkspace uses a secure and confidential HIPAA and FERPA compliant app. Talkspace also has lots of resources about common diagnoses, coping mechanisms and exercises such as “Overcoming Worry.” You can learn more by going to Talkspace. To get started, check your LLCC email or go to Canvas for the keyword.

Local Resources

Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault (PCASA)

The Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault provides free services for individuals and families affected by sexual violence regardless of race, gender, language, ability, sexual orientation or religion. Services provided include: crisis intervention, medical and legal advocacy, counseling for survivors of all ages (adults and children), prevention education programs and advice on what to do if you are assaulted.

A 24-hour hotline is maintained by trained staff and volunteers of PCASA. Get information and help dealing with recent or past incidents of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, incest, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, victim’s rights, emotional reactions and the legal system. Call the hotline for crisis situations, information about services and questions about sexual assault/abuse. Hotline number: 217-753-8081 

PCASA Locations & Phone Numbers

Springfield Location
3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza
Springfield, IL 62701
217-744-2560

Jacksonville Location
2001 W. Lafayette
Jacksonville, IL 62650
217-243-7330

Sojourn Shelter and Services

Sojourn Shelter and Services focuses on providing services for those affected by domestic violence. Services provided include emergency shelters, individual counseling, educational group services, children's programs, court advocacy and on-call advocates. Sojourn Shelter and Services also provides a wide range of educational information on avoiding unhealthy relationships, dating violence, domestic violence and how to be a friend to a victim of intimate partner abuse. Additionally, Sojourn provides information and resources for making a safety plan. All services are free and confidential.

Sojourn Shelter and Services Location & Phone Numbers

1800 Westchester Blvd.
Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: 217-726-5200
TTY: 217-726-7385

24-hour hotline number: 217-726-5200, or toll-free at 1-866-HELP4DV (435-7438)

Organizations and Coalitions

Illinois Organizations and Coalitions

• Center on Halsted - Located in Chicago, this center provides a range of services for LGBTQA individuals, including health care, STD testing, counseling, social programs, legal services and housing. 24-hour hotline: 773-871-2273
• Illinois Coalition against Domestic Violence - Find crisis centers near you, learn about domestic violence, explore economic empowerment materials and more.
• Illinois Coalition against Sexual Assault - Find crisis centers near you, educate yourself on statistics and facts, read related publications, explore legal issues and more. Help line: 877-863-6338

General Sexual Violence Resources

• Not Alone - An online resource that provides resources for students and schools including data, a crisis center locator, links to resources and information on your rights.
• The Joyful Heart Foundation - A national organization dedicated to healing, educating and empowering survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse.
• Culture of Respect - A nonprofit organization strengthening sexual assault prevention efforts on college campuses.
• MaleSurvivor - An organization providing critical resources to male survivors of sexual trauma and all their partners in recovery by building communities of hope, healing and support.
• National Center for Victims of Crime - This center advocates for victims’ rights, trains professionals who work with victims and serves as a source of information on victims’ issues.
• National Alliance to End Sexual Violence - This center designs, provides and customizes training and consultation, influences policy, promotes collaboration and enhances diversity with the goal of ending domestic and sexual violence.
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center - This center is a national information and resource hub relating to all aspects of sexual violence.

Sexual Assault Resources

• Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) - A national advocacy organization that operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline. Resources, facts and more are available on their website.
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center - Find resources, explore the latest findings related to sexual violence, get involved with initiatives and more.

Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence Resources

• National Domestic Violence Hotline - Is this abuse? How do I get help? How do I get involved? Find these answers and more on the National Domestic Violence Hotline's website.
• National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) - This national social change organization is dedicated to creating a social, political and economic environment in which violence against women no longer exists.
• Love Is Respect - This resource focuses on empowering youth to prevent and end dating abuse. Find information, materials and more on their website, or contact them by calling, texting, or chatting online. Call 1-866-331-9474 or text loveis to 22522.

Sexual Violence and Health Resources

• The Office on Women’s Health - This organization offers information on understanding what rape and sexual assault are, how to get help, how to stay safe and where to find more information.
• CDC Division of Violence Prevention - The CDC's Division of Violence Prevention provides definitions, data sources, suggested prevention programming and health information in relation to sexual violence.

Stalking Resources

• Stalking Resource Center - Information, training and help for victims of stalking. Incident logs and "Stalking: A Handbook for Victims" are important resources for victims to access at this site.
• Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women - The DOJ offers help, tips and information on stalking.

A person who believes he or she has been subjected to, witnessed or has knowledge of gender-based or sexual misconduct has the right to report or not report a violation of the comprehensive policy to Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) and/or the police. Those affected by sexual violence in any manner are encouraged to review LLCC's Survivor Rights and Options to help them become familiarized with the options and protections they are entitled to and determine the best course of action for their situation.

If you would like to speak with someone at LLCC about an incident of sexual violence, harassment, and/or misconduct, please click on "Talk to Someone at LLCC" above to learn about our confidential and non-confidential options.