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WIU, WIRC Working Together to Raise Awareness, Provide Resources

September 12, 2016

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MACOMB, IL -- In the city of Macomb and on the Western Illinois University campus, a common phrase often used (credited to Macomb Mayor and WIU Alumnus Mike Inman), "So goes Western, so goes Macomb." While town-gown relationships are integral in any university community, these relationships are even more important in non-urban regions.

To provide even greater support to the University and Macomb area communities, WIU and the Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA) Victim Services Program have joined together to raise awareness and provide joint resources in the battle against sexual assault.

According to Andrea Henderson, director of Equal Opportunity and Access and the WIU Title IX coordinator, as part of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Western and the WIRC-CAA, a dedicated space will be provided on campus to WIRC-CAA counselors to serve as confidential advisers to individuals who have been assaulted and there will be an enhanced collaboration between the two entities for prevention and awareness activities. In addition, WIRC-CAA will provide confidential emergency and ongoing support to University students and employees who are survivors of sexual violence.

"We have had tremendous resources in place on our campus for many years; however, we are continually seeking ways to improve the support and resources we provide survivors," Henderson added. "We are pleased to enter into a formal partnership with WIRC-CAA. This agency has provided outstanding support to this region, and will provide one more level of quality resources to our campus community."

While the University has had a policy in place for many years regarding sexual harassment and discrimination, the University's updated sexual misconduct and gender non-discrimination (Title IX) policy was revised and approved Aug. 1, 2016 to include the WIRC-CAA partnership. Western's policy can be found at wiu.edu/vpas/policies/titleIX.php.

"Victim Services has long partnered with WIU in working to end dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking on campus, especially through education and awareness activities," said Diane Mayfield, WIRC-CAA Victim Services director. "This new opportunity for us to have a dedicated space will allow us to provide information, advocacy and support to survivors."

For more information on services and support, contact Henderson at (309) 298-1977, or Mayfield at WIRC-CAA at (309) 836-2148.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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