What acts are considered sex offenses?

According to the Illinois Compiled Statutes, if a person engages in sexual penetration without consent, by use of physical force, coercion or threat (actual or implied), the act is considered assault. Threats of death or use of a weapon increases the severity of legal charges. Sex crimes can be prosecuted even if the victim knew the attacker, the victim did not fight back, the victim had sex with the attacker before being raped, or the victim was drunk or unconscious.

What should I do if I’m sexually assaulted?

Seek medical attention immediately. Do not shower, change clothes, or disturb the scene of the attack. Go to the emergency room of a hospital; ask a friend to go with you, if possible. Local hospitals include:

Memorial Medical Center
800 N. Rutledge

St. John’s Hospital
800 E. Carpenter St

Hospital personnel will treat the physical consequences of assault, such as injury, infection, disease, and pregnancy. They can collect evidence that will be needed if you report the crime. They are required to contact local law-enforcement agencies; however, you may choose whether to speak with police personnel.

Individuals at UIS Police, UIS Title IX Office, UIS Counseling Center, the UIS Women’s Center, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Office, the Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault, and Sojourn Shelter and Services in Springfield are available to assist you with counseling, your decision to report the crime, help you find the resources you need, and respond to requests to change your academic or living situation because of the attack.

Whether or not legal charges are filed, students accused of sexual abuse or assault are subject to disciplinary actions from UIS, including dismissal or other sanctions deemed appropriate.

Date Rape Drugs

Rohypnol, is in the same family of medications as Valium and Xanax, but has never been approved for medical use in the United Sates. There are many street names for Rohypnol including, Roofies, Rophes, La Roche, R2, Rib, Forget pill, Mexican Valium, Roofenol, Rope, Ropies, Rophies, Ruffies, Stupefi. The presence in urine can be detected for up to 72 hours.

GHB, is a drug that acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, street names for GHB include, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid X, Easy Lay, Vita-G, Somatomax, Bedtime Scoop, Gamma 10, and Energy Drink. The presence in urine can be detected for up to 8 – 10 hours

Ketamine, is an anesthetic used by veterinarians as an animal tranquilizer, street names include, special k, ket, k, cat valium. The presence in urine can be detected for up to 48 hours.

How are date rape drugs used?

Date rape drugs may be found in tablet, powder, or liquid form. The drug is secretly dropped into your drink. The drug may be colorless, odorless, and tasteless after it dissolves.

Suspicions should be aroused if a drink tastes salty or different, or if a small amount of alcohol is ingested and you experience a feeling of intoxication or illness.

Rohypnol contains a dye, which will appear blue in a clear drink, or mis-colored or murky in a colored drink, however be aware that in a room with low light it would be difficult to notice the dye.

What can you do to reduce your risk?

  • Do not leave a beverage unattended.
  • Do not take any beverages, including alcohol, from someone you do not know well and trust.
  • At a bar or club, accept drinks only from the bartender or wait staff.
  • At parties, do not accept open container drinks from anyone.
  • Be alert to the behavior of friends who seem disproportionately intoxicated in relation to the amount of alcohol that they have consumed.

What should you do if you believe that you or a friend has consumed a sedative- like substance?

  • The victim should be driven to a hospital emergency room, or 911 should be called for an ambulance.
  • Try to keep a sample of the beverage for analysis.
  • Request a urine test for the presence of sedating substances as quickly a possible, chances of getting proof are best when the sample is obtained soon after the substance has been ingested.
  • Call for information or support:
    • Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault
      (217) 744-2560
    • The UIS Women’s Center
      (217) 206-7173
    • UIS Counseling Center
      (217) 206-7122
    • Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Office
      (217) 206-6581
    • Sojourn Shelter and Services in Springfield
      (217) 544-2484
    • UIS Police Department
      (217) 206-6690

Laws pertaining to “Date Rape Drugs”

Aggravated battery (720 ILCS 5/12-4)

A person who administers to an individual or causes him to take, without his consent, or by threat or deception, and for other than medical purposes, any intoxicating, poisonous, stupefying, narcotic, or anesthetic, or controlled substance commits aggravated battery. Aggravated battery is a class 3 felony, punishable for 2 to 5 years in prison.

Criminal Sexual Assault (720 ILCS 5/12-13)

Sexual assault includes acts of sexual penetration by the use of force or threat of force or an act of sexual penetration and the accused knew that the victim was unable to understand the nature of the act or was unable to give knowing consent. Criminal sexual assault is a Class 1 felony punishable for 4 to 15 years in prison.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (720 ILCS 5/12-14)

A person commits aggravated criminal sexual assault if he or she commits criminal sexual assault and the following aggravating circumstance exists, the accused delivered (by injection, inhalation, ingestion, transfer of possession, or any other means) to the victim without his or her consent, or by threat or deception, and for other than medical purposes, any controlled substance. Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault is a Class X felony, punishable for not less than 50 and not more than 60 years in prison.