Lisa Madigan: Illinois campuses must respond better to ‘frighteningly high’ rape numbers

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan on Monday hosted a summit on campus rape at Southern Illinois University Edwardsvillle.

The goal is to strengthen responsiveness in prevention and investigation of sexual assault at Illinois universities.

“It’s clear that the number of incidents involving sexual violence is frighteningly high, and many survivors feel that the response of institution is lacking,” Madigan said. “Colleges and universities have a legal and moral obligation to respond effectively and investigate allegations to the fullest extent of the law. We must make sure that every student of higher education in Illinois is provided a safe environment to learn.”

The summit is the last of three Madigan has hosted. Panelists will include St. Clair County State’s Attorney Brendan Kelly and Karen Mines, chief attorney for the U.S. Department of Education, and Julia Dixon, a rape survivor and spokeswoman for Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment.

"You are here because you want to change your campus so go out there and change the world," Dixon said.

This story was originally published April 27, 2015 at 11:50 AM with the headline "Lisa Madigan: Illinois campuses must respond better to ‘frighteningly high’ rape numbers."