Boston College reported five cases of rape in 2024, according to the University’s annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report, marking a decline from the 17 reported offenses in 2023.
The report is part of the University’s compliance with the Clery Act, which requires all universities and colleges that receive federal funding to release an annual campus safety report by Oct. 1. The report includes crime statistics and the University’s efforts to improve campus safety.
Last year marked the lowest number of reported rape cases on campus since 2012. The report includes offenses that occurred at properties on and off campus, as well as public venues.
BC reported zero cases of domestic violence—a decrease from one in 2023—seven cases of dating violence. an increase from three. It also recorded eight instances of stalking—the same number as the prior year—and seven offenses of fondling, down from 11.
Three of the stalking incidents occurred in on-campus housing, while the other five were elsewhere on campus. All five cases of reported rape occured in on-campus housing facilities.
The University reported zero arrests for liquor or drug-related offenses but issued 544 disciplinary referrals for liquor law violations and 76 for drug law violations.
The report also lists one case of aggravated assault, one case of burglary—an increase from none in 2023—and one case of arson.
There was one reported hate crime in 2024, which the report lists as “vandalism that was motivated by sexual orientation bias.” The hate crime occurred on campus, according to the report.
The University did not report any cases of murder, manslaughter, or motor vehicle theft, nor did it issue any arrests for weapons law violations. It did, however, report three disciplinary referrals for weapons law offenses.
According to the report, BC compiled the public safety report using the Boston College Police Department (BCPD) police logs, notices of Campus Security Authorities, response from public police agencies, and the Office of the Dean for Student Development and Residential Life’s database.
The report also highlights the University’s Campus Sexual Violence Response and Prevention Program, including the options of reporting cases of sexual violence anonymously or to confidential University resources.
“Sexual violence or sexual misconduct of any kind is antithetical to the mission of Boston College and the values it espouses and will be responded to accordingly,” the report reads. “The University strives to eliminate sexual misconduct on campus, prevent its occurrence, and address its effects.”
The Division of Student Affairs launched a sexual misconduct climate survey in the Spring of 2025, which aimed to elicit anonymous student feedback regarding their experiences with sexual misconduct on campus and the campus culture about sexual misconduct.
“This qualitative and quantitative research effort will allow us to better understand the experiences of our community,” the Division of Student Affairs’ website reads. “Gathering data about our student’s experiences, as well as our community’s perception(s) and knowledge around these issues will better inform our efforts to end sexual harassment and violence at Boston College.”
BC also reported 12 fires in 2024—one in Claver, Loyola, and Xavier Halls, one in Messina South 6, one in the Reservoir Apartments, three in Rubenstein Hall, three in the Thomas More Apartments, one in Vanderslice Hall, and two in Walsh Hall. The report lists all but one fire as unintentional, with one intentional fire, indicated as arson.
If you or anyone you know has experienced sexual assault or sexual violence, you can reach out to BCPD at 617-552-4444, the Sexual Assault Network at 617-552-2211, the SANet Care Team at 617-552-8099, and the Office of Student Conduct at 617-552-3470.
