FIT student fatally drugged, raped part of sexual violence 'emergency': activist

Key Points:

• Activist Reshma Saujani declared a crisis of sexual violence against women and girls in the US, citing recent cases including the fatal drugging and rape of Annabel Richter, a Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) student.
• Moises Freire, 19, was indicted for allegedly drugging Richter with fentanyl and raping her while she was unconscious in her dorm; prosecutors say he also sent photos of her unconscious to friends before calling for help.
• Freire faces upgraded charges including distributing a controlled substance with intent to commit rape, carrying a potential sentence of 20 years to life; his accomplice, Brian Peralta Cabrera, was charged with narcotics conspiracy.
• The FIT case coincides with other sexual violence controversies at Cornell University and the University of Chicago, including a lawsuit alleging gang rape by fraternity members at Cornell and a recent assault at a University of Chicago fraternity party.
• Universities and fraternity organizations have responded by cooperating with investigations and offering support to victims, while activists and alumni call for greater justice and recognition of the ongoing emergency of sexual violence on campuses.