Abuse
The Counseling Center assists individuals who are trying to overcome various forms of current or past abuse. These may include incidents of domestic violence, sexual abuse, sexual assault, or sexual harassment. Information on each of these issues may be found by accessing the web sites listed below. Contact information for services related to these areas is also provided.
Domestic Violence
If you are in an abusive relationship and need immediate assistance, call the Springfield Sojourn Shelter at (217) 726-5200.
The Domestic Violence Handbook created through the efforts of the Oakland County Coordinating Council Against Domestic Violence contains easy-to-read information about domestic abuse. The resources in this book can help you create an individualized safety plan.
American Bar Association - articles on cyber stalking; child protection and custody; links for legal assistance and resource information including, the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence - (217) 789-2830.
Sexual Abuse
"Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse" is a concise overview for survivors of sexual abuse and for those who suspect that they may have been sexually abused as children. It explains what childhood abuse really is and the ensuing trauma felt by an abuse victim.
Sexual Assault
The National Women's Health Information Center - contains an overview of dating/acquaintance rape, and other links about dating and domestic violence.
Just what is "Acquaintance Rape?" The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, Inc. defines the term and gives the legal and social perspectives on how date rape is defined and viewed in our culture. It also provides an overview of the research done in this area.
Early efforts to promote healthy, respectful dating relationships are more likely to prevent dating violence before the problem begins. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
ICASA - or "Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault"- focuses on victims' rights and the legal processes due an assault victim. Take a moment to explore the links included on their web page. The Springfield phone number for ICASA is: (217) 753-4117.
You may also contact ICASA via e-mail: sblack@icasa.org
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is unwanted and unwelcome behavior, or attention, of a sexual nature that interferes with your life. Sexual advances, forced sexual activity, statements about sexual orientation or sexuality, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature all constitute sexual harassment. The behavior may be direct or implied. Sexual harassment can affect an individual's work or school performance, and can create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
AAUW Sexual Harassment: Strategies
U.S. Department of Education - Office for Civil Rights
Copies of the UIS Sexual Harassment Policy can be obtained at the Office of Access and Equal Opportunity (PAC 563) or the Counseling Center (HRB 64). Instances of sexual harassment at UIS can be reported to the UIS Office of Access and Equal Opportunity, PAC 563, PH: (217) 206-6222. The Counseling Center provides counseling and advocacy to students, staff and faculty with sexual harassment concerns.
Counseling and Emergency Assistance
- Call the UIS Counseling Center at HRB 64, (217) 206-7122
OR
- Sojourn Shelter and Service, Inc.
1800 Westchester Blvd
Springfield, IL 62704
24-hour Hotline: (217) 726-5200 - Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault
110 W. Laurel
Springfield, IL 62704
217.744 2560
24-hour Hotline: (217) 753-8081 - UIS Health Services
BSB 20 (Business Services Building)
(217) 206-6676 - St. John's Hospital Emergency Room
800 E. Carpenter
Springfield, IL
(217) 525-5610 - Memorial Medical Center Emergency Room
800 N. Rutledge
Springfield, IL
(217) 788-3030
