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The Independent Student Newspaper at Boston University

The Daily Free Press

The Independent Student Newspaper at Boston University.

The Daily Free Press

The Daily Free Press

Boston City Hall. Boston City Council members discussed recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month and holding a hearing about the City’s resources for survivors. ANDREW BURKE-STEVENSON/DFP PHOTOGRAPHER

City Council declares October Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

Brie Foster October 2, 2024
Boston City Council passed a resolution recognizing October 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month during its Wednesday meeting at City Hall Plaza.
Boston University student Prisha Sujin Kumar wrote a second open letter to BU Jan. 10 about her experience with sexual assault on campus and the University’s handling of sexual assault cases. ILLUSTRATION BY HANNAH YOSHINAGA/ DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF

BU student publishes second open letter to University about sexual assault on campus

Lily Kepner January 23, 2021
Six months after her first open letter to the University, BU student Prisha Sujin Kumar wrote a second letter to the University about her experience with sexual assault on campus, condemning the University’s treatment of her and other survivors and demanding change.
East to West: October 15, 2019

East to West: October 15, 2019

JenRacoosin October 15, 2019

In this episode of “East to West,” we cover a data breach affecting hundreds of student accounts, a recent trend in commuting on campus, and a rise in Massachusetts rape reports. This episode...

Recently released FBI statistics found an increase in rape reports in Massachusetts despite an overall decrease in crime. ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Massachusetts sees 10 percent increase in rape reports last year

Angela Yang October 10, 2019
This rise in reports of rape comes despite a drop in reports for all other violent crime in Massachusetts. However, advocates say that this increase in reports can be attributed to the #MeToo movement making women less afraid to speak about their experiences.
The homepage of MeToo Kit, a company that makes at-home sexual assault evidence collection kits. The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center warns against the use of these kits, claiming the evidence would be inadmissible in court. ILLUSTRATION BY SOFIA KOYAMA/ DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF

BARCC opposes Brooklyn-based company’s DIY sexual assault evidence collection kits

Mia Cathell September 12, 2019
The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center is warning that any evidence collected by the kits may not be admissible in court.
Venu, the nightclub near which 23-year-old Jassy Correia was kidnapped last week. Officials and sexual assault prevention activists spoke about the systemic changes needed to further women’s safety. RIKI STOUT/ DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF

How can students ensure their safety when going out?

Daily Free Press Staff March 7, 2019
After 23-year-old Jassy Correia was kidnapped outside a bar on the night of her birthday and later found dead last week, law enforcement officials and sexual assault prevention activists said systemic changes needed to be made to ensure the safety of women and gave suggestions on how students can stay safe when going out.
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker introduced new legislation last week that would allow courts to more easily detain criminal defendants pending trial. PHOTO BY ELAINE ANDERSON/ DFP FILE PHOTO

Baker files legislation to help officers detain dangerous individuals before trial

Riley Villiers September 10, 2018
Gov. Charlie Baker filed legislation Thursday that would make it easier for law enforcement officers to detain individuals who are deemed dangerous to society while those individuals are pending trial.
A sexual assault evidence collection kit. The Massachusetts House and Senate are asking for rape kit reform as a part of a new criminal justice bill. PHOTO COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

State looks to improve rape kit procedure, usage

Camille Mojica April 8, 2018
Massachusetts lawmakers have approved legislation that pushes for sexual assault evidence kits to be tested promptly rather than end up sitting on police department shelves.

Massachusetts students petition for anonymous sexual assault climate survey at their schools

Vivian Situ February 13, 2018

A new petition advocating for a bill that would implement the use of anonymous sexual assault climate surveys at all Massachusetts colleges and universities was launched Tuesday by Every Voice, a student-led...

Sexual assault accusations arise within the Massachusetts State Legislature. PHOTO BY JENNA MANTO/ DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF

State House proves to be home to culture of sexual misconduct 

Shannon Larson November 16, 2017

Allegations of sexual misconduct have driven conversation in recent weeks, with the accused ranging from high-ranking government officials to household Hollywood names. The Massachusetts State House,...

The Massachusetts Senate debates a bill regarding sexual assault and domestic violence on college campuses. PHOTO  BY HALEY ABRAM/ DFP FILE PHOTO

Senate confirms legislation ramping up university sexual assault policies

Sarika Ram November 7, 2017

The Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed comprehensive legislation Thursday that requires higher education institutions to strengthen their policies relating to sexual assault and domestic violence....

Boston University Police Department reports a sharp increase in reported campus rapes. PHOTO BY RACHEL SHARPLES/ DAILY FREE PRESS STAFF

BUPD reports spike in rapes on campus

Sophia Brown October 20, 2017

The number of yearly reported rape cases on Boston University’s campus nearly tripled over the past three years — from five in 2014 to nine in 2015 to 13 in 2016. Despite this rise, experts say...

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