Assault crimes heighten on EU campus

On Elmhurst University’s campus in 2021, there were 11 recorded instances of assault and many instances of stalking and dating violence, according to the annual Security and Fire Safety Report. One case came to Public Safety, and two cases went to the Title IX Office. 

An email sent to EU students on Oct. 1 explained that statistical data is recorded from the previous three calendar years on security and safety policies and crime prevention tips on campus; in other words, this report includes data from 2019, 2020, and 2021. 

Other offenses in the report included liquor and drug law violations. 

Title IX Coordinator, Cortney Matuszak, feels that students have become more comfortable in reporting assaults due to the campus making efforts to increase education on these topics and assisting students in getting the help they need. 

“I believe numbers have increased not necessarily because the amount of assaults have increased, but rather because students are feeling more comfortable in reporting these situations to the school,” said Matuszak in an email to The Leader. 

They continued, “We’ve worked hard to increase education and awareness through our annual Everfi Sexual Harassment and Prevention trainings, guest lecturing to every FYS section on Interpersonal Violence, and presenting to each athletics team multiple times throughout the school year.” 

“This dedication and ongoing outreach efforts are helping to educate students on what constitutes sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking, which helps them to identify if they or a friend have experienced it and gain the help and support they may need,” said Matuszak.

All EU students are required to complete Everfi training to maintain a welcoming and safe campus and are required by the State of Illinois for university and college students. 

Some EU students have felt that this has made them more aware and to be cautious of their surroundings. 

“I’m really shocked that this has happened on campus,” said EU student Ellison Michaels. “This  has made me more aware and diligent about making sure I’m safe around campus.” 

The Executive Director of Public Safety, John Escalante, explained the advantages of contacting public safety if a student is experiencing assault or anything of that nature, and how they or the Title IX Office can issue a no contact order. 

“There are a couple of advantages to either coming to public safety or Title IX is that one thing we can do, if it’s another student that’s on campus, is issue a no contact order,” said Escalante. 

He continued, “Which means absolutely no contact whatsoever. No conversation, no social media, text, or third party, so you couldn’t have a friend go talk to that person on your behalf. A violation of the contact rule could have some very severe consequences.” 

If a student is assaulted and needs resources to help them, the Title IX Office can assist and determine what the best course of action is for them if they choose to go that route. 

Students can also contact the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago if they experience sexual assault or know someone that has. They provide free counseling, medical options, and review their Title IX rights. The YWCA hotline is 888-293-2080 and is available 24/7. 

The Elmhurst Hospital Emergency Department and Elmhurst Hospital provide free medical exams for survivors and are confidential to those who make an appointment. They are open seven days a week and can be reached at 331-221-1000. 

Photo by- Numair Younus