About

This is page a collection of information and resources specifically tailored to survivors of violent crimes in the Bloomington-Normal area but may include resources for Illinois as a whole. resources include local organizations, support groups, counseling services, and legal aid.

Sexual Assault Resources-

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a crime that would include any sexual activity or behavior without explicit consent. Forms of sexual assault include but are not limited to rape, sexual harassment, sexual coercion, groping, drug-facilitated sexual assault, and sharing of explicit photos/videos without consent.

Victims of Sexual Assault

It is very important to understand anyone could be a victim of sexual assault regardless of race, age, or sexual orientation. Sexual assault can affect anyone, and it is never the fault of the survivor. Many cases of sexual assault happen on college compasses. More than 50 percent of sexual assault cases happen in a known or personal environment, and the most common acts of sexual violence are commented by acquaintances.

Statistics

According to RAINN, an American is a victim of sexual assault every 68 seconds and roughly 63,000 children were victims of sexual assault every year from 2009-2013. The University of Illinois Consoling center states 23.1 percent of females, 5.4 percent of males, and 25 percent for non-binary students are victims of rape or sexual assault. More than 50 percent of the cases happened within the fall semester. Only 1 out of 5 female students report sexual harassment to law enforcement and the number is significantly less for males.

Importance of Consent

Consent is an agreement between the parties involved that ensures each individual is willing and actively participating in sexual activity. Consent is a critical element and should always be established before engaging in any sexual activities, lack of doing so could be considered sexual assault.  Consent is not to be forced and can further be restricted at any point in time and at no point in time should you attempt to receive or give consent when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This being said both parties must be competent when giving consent.

Ways to Help

Great resources for any Bloomington/Normal community members are in the community resources section listed down below. From here community members looking to make a greater impact may have the option to be involved in supporting victims hands-on, or by simply having to conversation about spreading awareness and putting an end to rape culture. Many survivors find it hard to reach out for support or impossible depending on the situation which is why it important to be sensitive when supporting victims to always do so with comfort and trust established.

SERC

SERC is an ISU student group that’s focus is on empowering survivors of sexually violent crimes as well as putting an end to rape culture. SERC’s focus is ending rape culture, the normalization of sexual violence within society.  SERC is spreading awareness as well as offering a variety of support resources. SERC emphasizes rape culture awareness, what rape culture is, and why it is a problem. Another main focus is ensuring others to be knowledgeable about consent and respect the consent of others to encourage a safer environment on and off campus. 

Interview with Lorelei Starkey

Reporting Hotline

1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Legal Resources

Bloomington Police Department- https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/departments/police

Normal Police Department- https://www.normalil.gov/1573/Police

Report Filing for Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul- https://ccformsubmission.ilag.gov/

Community Resources

Stepping Stones Sexual Assault Program (YWCA) McLean County- https://www.ywcamclean.org/

Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA)- https://icasa.org/

(SERC) Students Ending Rape Culture- https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.edu/organization/serc.

LGBTQ+ Hate Crime Resources

Hate crimes are acts of violence, harassment, or intimidation committed against individuals or groups because of their perceived or actual identity_[1]. These crimes target individuals based on characteristics such as race, religion, disability, and sexual orientation and gender identity. Hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity_[2] cause physical harm, instill fear, create psychological trauma, and perpetuate a climate of intolerance. Illinois has taken many steps to stop hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people, like passing the "Illinois Hate Crime Act" and the "Illinois Gender Violence Act." The first one increases the penalties for crimes committed against people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The second one deals with violence based on gender, giving LGBTQ+ people more protection from discriminatory acts. These laws are meant to make everyone feel safer and more accepted, no matter what their sexual orientation or gender identity is.

Reporting Hotline

Illinois Attorney General's Civil Rights Hotline-

• 1-877-581-3692
• 1-800-994-3228

Legal Resources

https://images.app.goo.gl/izxodg2PJs9FLDyu6a

In the Bloomington-Normal area, survivors can go to the following websites and locations:

Counseling/Therapy Resources

https://images.app.goo.gl/QUA6AauJSGjxgTgZ8

In the Bloomington-Normal area, survivors can go to the following websites and locations:

Podcast Episode with Local Organizations

Survivor Support Podcast.mp4

References

Sexual Assault and Rape Section References:

(SERC) Students Ending Rape Culture. Retrieved on 13 June 2023 from https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.edu/organization/serc

RAINN, Retrieved 13 June 2023, fromhttps://www.rainn.org/statistics

UN Women, Retrieved 13 June 2023, fromhttps://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2019/11/compilation-ways-you-can-stand-against-rape-culture

Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, Retrieved 21 June 2023, from https://icjia.illinois.gov/researchhub/articles/child-and-youth-exposure-to-violence-in-illinois.

University of Illinois Counseling Center, Retrieved 07 June 2023, fromhttps://www.counselingcenter.illinois.edu/brochures/sexual-violence

LGBTQ+ Hate Crimes Section References:

Aeacounseling (n.d.). Retrieved on 26 June 2023 from https://www.aeacounseling.com/

_[1]"Bias-motivated/hate crime." Bureau of Justice Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved on 31 July 2023 from https://bjs.ojp.gov/topics/crime/hate-crime.

Collaborative Solutions Institute. (2023). Retrieved on 26 June 2023 from https://www.csiavert.org/#services

_[2]HRC Foundation. (n.d.). "Sexual orientation and gender identity definitions." Human Rights Campaign. Retrieved on 31 July 2023 from https://www.hrc.org/resources/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-terminology-and-definitions.

Illinois Attorney General Home Page. Retrieved on 26 June 2023 from https://ccformsubmission.ilag.gov/

Illinois Lawyer Finder | Illinois State Bar Association. Retrieved on 26 June 2023 from https://www.isba.org/public/illinoislawyerfinder.

Online Therapy & Psychiatry Appointments. (n.d.). Retrieved on 26 June 2023 from https://lifestance.com/

Onsite & Online Counseling Therapy: Find a Counselor, Psychologist. (n.d.). Retrieved on 26 June 2023 from  https://thriveworks.com/

Police | City of Bloomington, Illinois. Retrieved on 26 June 2023 from https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/departments/police

‌Police | Normal, IL - Official Website. (n.d.). Retrieved on 26 June 2023 from https://normalil.gov/1573/Police

The Mental Wellness Center - Bloomington IL Therapists. (n.d.). Retrieved on 26 June 2023 from https://www.thementalwellnesscenter.com/

Victim Witness Assistance. (19 February, 2015). Retrieved on 26 June 2023 from https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdil/victim-witness-assistance