November 19, 2022

Dear Loyola Community,

Campus Safety is writing to notify you that the University is aware of a criminal sexual assault that was reported to the Evanston Police Department that occurred in Mertz Hall in the early morning of November 19. The offender is not believed to be a member of the University community.
 
Crime Prevention Information 

Anyone with information about a crime is encouraged to immediately contact Campus Safety at 773-508-6039 or safety@luc.edu. To contact the Chicago Police Department, please call 911.
 
The only person responsible for sexual misconduct is the perpetrator. It is a violation of University policy to engage in sexual activities without consent from your partner. Someone incapacitated due to alcohol or other drugs cannot consent to sexual activity.
 
While sexual misconduct is never the fault of the survivor/victim, we can all take steps to reduce the risk of sexual misconduct and other crimes in our community. Members of the Loyola community are always urged to take personal safety precautions such as locking their rooms (even when at home), walking in groups, walking in well‐lit and well‐travelled areas, and reporting all suspicious persons and activity to Campus Safety (available 24/7).
 
If you feel uneasy about a situation, trust your instincts and attempt to non‐violently interrupt events if you feel physically safe to do so. Create a distraction and involve others. Take action to change your circumstances and if necessary your environment. Make a commitment to ensure everyone has a safe way home.
 
Being an active bystander doesn't require you put yourself at risk – if you don’t feel safe to intervene, remove yourself from the situation and call for help.
 
If you or a friend has experienced sexual misconduct, please review information about your rights and options available to you under Loyola’s Comprehensive Policy for Addressing Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct at www.luc.edu/comprehensivepolicy. Additional information is also available at www.luc.edu/equity.
 
Other Student Resources

• The Line (773-494-3810) – Confidential advocacy services for survivors and co-survivors impacted by gender-based violence, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking
• Office for Equity & Compliance – University office to file a report, access supportive measures, and/or submit a formal complaint
• Office of the Dean of Students – Offers various services in support of student well-being

Students who are seeking resources related to acts of violence can contact the Wellness Center at 773-508-2530 or visit the Community Coalition on Gender-Based Violence website. Faculty and staff in need of resources are encouraged to utilize the University’s Employee Assistance Program.

Sincerely,

Thomas K. Murray
Director of Campus Safety
Chief of Police

This message is being sent out in compliance with the Timely Warning requirement of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act).